Post-Doctoral Associate in Time-Domain and Multi-Messenger Astronomy

About the Job

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities invites applications for a
Postdoctoral Fellow in time-domain and multi-messenger astronomy to
work with Prof. Michael Coughlin. The start date is negotiable,
with some flexibility. The initial appointment is for one year,
with the possibility of annual renewal for up to three years.

Job Duties:

• 50%: Research and development on time-domain and

multi-messenger software. Writing, testing, and release of code
through the project’s open-source repositories.

• 20%: Supervision of graduate students, technicians, and

undergraduates participating in this research.

• 20%: Communicate and coordinate with other personnel involved

in the research, including those from non-computing disciplines and
with external collaborators.

• 10%: Research in a related discipline of interest to the

post-doctoral fellow.

Research Description:

The research will focus on real-time software infrastructure for
the Schmidt Observatory System (Argus, DSA, Lazuli, and LFAST) and
machine-learning classification of astronomical transients using
data from the Zwicky Transient Facility and the Vera C. Rubin
Observatory. This includes identifying variable stars and AGN whose
variability can mimic transient events. The research will also
encompass Bayesian light-curve inference for multi-messenger
events, including kilonovae, gamma-ray-burst afterglows, and tidal
disruption events. We seek candidates interested in developing
machine-learning classifiers, astronomical alert-broker software in
Rust, and downstream marshal integrations in Python while
contributing to the open-source BOOM and SkyPortal codebases.

Successful participation in these projects will involve
collaboration with science teams working in gravitational-wave,
optical, and radio time-domain astrophysics, as well as with
researchers in computer science and applied machine learning.
Postdoctoral Fellows will build strong portfolios demonstrating
expertise in real-time AI and large-scale data science for physics
and astronomy.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Physics, Astronomy, Computer Science, Statistics,

Mathematics, or another relevant discipline by the start date of
the appointment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 0-3+ years’ relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated skills (or ability to learn quickly) in any of the

following: programming (especially Python and Rust), data science,
real-time data pipelines, machine learning and its implementation
in data pipelines, and Bayesian inference.

• Prior experience contributing to open-source scientific

software.

• Familiarity with alert brokers (BOOM, ANTARES, ALeRCE, Fink,

Lasair), target-and-observation managers (SkyPortal, TOM Toolkit,
YSE-PZ), or survey pipelines (ZTF, LSST DP0/DP1).

• Familiarity with astronomical time-series analysis, light-curve

modeling, or the classification and characterization of variable
stars.

• Familiarity with the Open Science Grid or comparable

high-throughput compute environments.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong collaboration skills.
• Strong desire to learn new computing platforms.

About the Department

School of Physics and Astronomy: https://cse.umn.edu/physics

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $62,232-$70,000 per year ; depending on
education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more
information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional

training

• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling

at no cost

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this
position, please click the Apply button and follow the
instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online
application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume
or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please
e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity
and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its
employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is
committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying
identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and
opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without
regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender,
age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran
status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful
completion of a background check. Our presumption is that
prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal
convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from
employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the
largest public research universities in the country, offering
undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of
opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one
of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities,
students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from
extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers,
international corporations, government agencies, and arts,
nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by
Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer
for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State
(2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence &
Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life
flexibility.