Postdoctoral Researcher in Experimental Cosmology

Position Description

The University of Chicago invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in experimental cosmology to work with Prof. Jessica Zebrowski.

The Zebrowski group develops new instruments and observational techniques to study the early universe, large-scale structure, and galaxy formation across cosmic time. Research areas include millimeter-wave and far-infrared line-intensity mapping (LIM), superconducting detector and spectrometer development, low-frequency radio cosmology, and high-redshift galaxy surveys.

The successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute to one or more of the following research areas:

• Far-infrared line-intensity mapping: Analysis of first science data from the Terahertz Intensity Mapper (TIM), a balloon-borne experiment designed to map star formation and large-scale structure through high-redshift [CII] emission. Opportunities include developing analysis pipelines, characterizing instrumental and astrophysical systematics, and making new measurements of galaxy evolution and large-scale structure in the early universe.
• Spectrometer and detector development: Development and characterization of novel millimeter-wave and submillimeter-wave instrumentation for future cosmological and astrophysical experiments, including on-chip spectrometers, superconducting detectors, and optical characterization.
• 21-cm cosmology and the Dark Ages: Development of low-frequency radio instrumentation and observational strategies to measure the cosmological 21-cm signal from the Dark Ages, including foreground mitigation, ionospheric calibration, and instrumental characterization.
• High-redshift cosmology with Little Red Dots: Developing new cosmological probes using Little Red Dots (LRDs) as tracers of large-scale structure at 4 ≲ z ≲ 9, with applications to precision cosmology, galaxy evolution, and cross-correlations with other high-redshift tracers.

Research opportunities span instrumentation, detector development, observations, simulations, and data analysis. The specific research direction will depend on the successful candidate's expertise and interests, with opportunities to lead projects and collaborate with the broader cosmology community at UChicago and KICP.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, astrophysics, or a related field by the start date. Candidates with experience in astronomical instrumentation, superconducting detectors, line intensity mapping, radio astronomy, or cosmological data analysis are particularly encouraged to apply.

The appointment has an anticipated start date of Summer or Fall 2027. The position has a salary range of $70,000 - $75,000 and includes benefits such as retirement, health and wellness, time off, and sick leave.

Interested candidates should submit a CV, a research statement [3-page limit, not including references] and contact information for three professional references at Academic Jobs Online. A minimum of 3 reference letters are required.

Applications will be reviewed starting on January 15th, 2027 and continue until the position is filled. Questions may be directed to Prof. Jessica Zebrowski at j.z@uchicago.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination (https://www.uchicago.edu/non-discrimination).

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.

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