Researcher 2

Job Duties:

• 70% Data analysis and pipeline development
  • Design, test and maintain automated, scalable end-to-end data processing pipeliens using Python and relevant libraries (e.g. NumPy, SciPy, AstroPy)
  • Ingest, clean, transform and integrate heterogeneous datasets to ensure data integrity and optimize processing workflows
  • Conduct advanced data analysis, quantitative modelling, and statistical evaluation to extract Active Galactic Nuclei properties and ionizing escape fraction
  • Use version control (via Git) and document pipeline architecture to ensure reproducibility

• 25% Assist with writing of manuscript for peer-reviewed publication, under the supervision of the faculty advisor
  • Draft and edit core sections of a scientific manuscript (including methods, description of results, and preliminary interpretation) for submission to a peer-reviewed journal (Astronomy & Astrophysics), with guidance and regular review from the advisor
  • Synthesize results into clear, publication-ready figures, tables, and supplementary material, in consultation with the advisor
  • Incorporate feedback from the advisor, co-authors, internal collaboration reviewers, and peer reviewers to refine the manuscript

• 3% Format data for collaboration and public access
  • Structure, annotate and curate final datasets and metadata in accordance with open-science standards and standard scientific repository requirements (e.g. FAIR principles).
  • Prepare user documentation to facilitate public access.

• 2% Communication and result dissemination
  • Prepare and present technical progress updates, milestones and workflow updates during weekly team meetings and yearly collaboration meetings
  • Document meetings outcomes
    

Schedule:

• Monday-Friday
• 40 hours per week

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in Astronomy, Physics, or Data Science, plus two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least six years.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Python programming with core scientific packages, such as Astropy, NumPy, SciPy, and Matplotlib is required.
• Candidates should possess knowledge of astronomical data formats (FITS files) and basic aperture photometry.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's' degree in Astronomy, Physics, or Data Science.
• Prior experience conducting astronomical image stacking or low signal-to-noise photometric extraction is not required, but would be an asset.
• Familiarity with AGN, high-redshift galaxy evolution, Lyman Continuum escape physics, Euclid or standard tools like SourceExtractor, Git, and CIGALE would strengthen an application.

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

Pay Range: $25.72 - $29.95 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

A resume is required for this application.

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

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

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.

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.