Schmidt Observatory System Postdoctoral Fellow

Responsibilities

• Lead system-level analyses to improve observatory performance, calibration, and readiness
• Develop simulations, models, and tools to inform instrument design and observational strategy
• Translate technical system behavior into quantified scientific impact
• Produce technical reports, performance forecasts, and peer-reviewed publications
• Build software tools or analysis frameworks to support observatory capabilities
• Collaborate across instrumentation, operations, and data systems teams
• Participate in science definition discussions to shape observatory priorities

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics, Physics, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated research excellence and a strong publication record
• Technical expertise in instrumentation, data systems, simulation, or AI/ML
• Ability to connect scientific questions with technical implementation in a collaborative environment
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Must be a U.S. person (citizen, permanent resident, or legal asylee/refugee) due to export control requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with instrumentation, observations, or observatory-scale systems
• Background in data simulation, performance modeling, or error budgeting
• Experience developing scientific software, pipelines, or user-facing analysis tools
• Familiarity with AI/ML approaches in scientific or operational contexts

Benefits

• Structured two-year fellowship with a potential third-year renewal based on performance
• Support for travel, conference attendance, and publications
• Access to advanced computing, AI, and data resources
• Exposure to diverse career paths across academia, industry, and philanthropy

About the Company

Schmidt Sciences is a nonprofit organization founded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt to accelerate scientific knowledge and breakthroughs. The organization prioritizes research in high-impact areas including AI, astrophysics, biosciences, climate, and space.