Research Scientist at Center for Decoding the Universe

Position Description

The Center for Decoding the Universe at Stanford, a joint initiative of Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI) and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC) at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, seeks applicants for a Research Scientist position working at the intersection of data science / artificial intelligence (AI) and astrophysics. The candidate will play a key role in the activities of the Center for Decoding the Universe. We seek candidates with a track record of research in fundamental AI and/or data science and an interest in tackling problems in modern astrophysical research, or candidates whose primary training is in astrophysics but have a facility with modern methods in AI and data science.

The Center for Decoding the Universe (C4DU) is a hub for interdisciplinary research, with a primary mission to develop innovative methodologies that advance the physics of the cosmos. KIPAC is a world-leading astrophysics institute and a home to a vibrant research community. In addition to KIPAC scientists, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues in the HAI and the SLAC Machine Learning Program.

The successful candidate will work with members of the Center and with KIPAC scientists on a range of important problems in astrophysics and cosmology and/or emerging applications to these problems. Possible areas of science focus include the nature of dark matter and dark energy, galaxy formation and large-scale structure, interstellar medium physics, and studies of black holes, galaxies, stars, and other astrophysical sources. The position will offer an opportunity to develop an innovative and independent research program, including the opportunity to mentor students and postdocs, to advance one or more of these areas with modern AI and data science techniques.

Significant computational resources are available, and KIPAC provides access to a number of large, world-leading data sets in astronomy. KIPAC scientists are playing major roles in the construction, operation, and science utilization of the Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time, which will provide an unprecedented high-volume dataset of images, tabulated measurements, and time series, that has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the large-scale structure of the universe and of the changing sky. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in computer science, statistics, astronomy, physics, or a related field, or expect to receive the degree prior to starting their appointment. The position is expected to start in Fall 2027; earlier start dates may be possible. Application materials should be submitted at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30530. The deadline for applications and letters of recommendation is Tuesday, December 15, 2026 (by midnight Eastern Time). Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee.

Application materials should include a CV with publication list, a 3-page statement of research interests and plans, and at least three letters of recommendation (these will be requested via AJO, and are also due by the December 15 deadline).

Applicants are encouraged to strengthen their application with an additional statement, up to one page, appended after the 3-page research statement, discussing their experience with and planned contributions to any of the following: mentoring, teaching, public engagement, science policy, fostering scientifically vibrant environments, or activities that broaden participation in the field. We view these forms of community engagement as essential to a thriving research environment, and applicants will find many opportunities to contribute in these areas.

Learn more about the Center for Decoding the Universe @ Stanford at

https://hai.stanford.edu/centers-labs/center-for-decoding-the-universe, about KIPAC at https://kipac.stanford.edu, about the Stanford Institute for Human Centered AI at https://hai.stanford.edu, and the SLAC Integrated Scientific and Data-intensive Computing program at https://isdci.slac.stanford.edu/.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research mission.