Postdoctoral Scholar in Experimental Cosmology at Boston University

The Boston University Department of Physics invites applications for a postdoctoral associate in the experimental cosmology group working with Prof. Kirit Karkare.

The BU experimental cosmology group focuses on testing fundamental physics and early-universe astrophysics using observations of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and high-redshift galaxies with millimeter-wave line intensity mapping (LIM). We are particularly interested in advancing mm-wave LIM as a cosmological probe and constraining inflation with degree-scale CMB polarization. Our work takes place in the BICEP, CMB-S4, SPT-SLIM/SPT-3G+, and SuperSpec collaborations.

We seek candidates interested in any of the following areas:

• Design, testing, and operation of mm-wave telescopes and detectors, including R&D on superconducting spectrometers for LIM.
• Analysis of CMB/LIM data, including constraining instrumental systematics and foreground/signal separation.
• Developing the science case, instrument concept, and analysis techniques for future LIM experiments.

Previous experience in mm-wave instrumentation or CMB/LIM data analysis is desirable but not required. In addition to our experimental collaborations, successful candidates will also have the opportunity to interact with the growing BU cosmology community ( https://sites.bu.edu/cosmology/ ).

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a related subject prior to starting the appointment. Applicants should send a CV with publication list, cover letter (2 pages max), statement of research experience and future plans (3 pages max), and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to kkarkare@buphy.bu.edu by December 15, 2024. We expect to fill this position no later than Fall 2025.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. BU conducts a background check on all final candidates for certain faculty and staff positions. The background check includes contacting the final candidate’s current and previous employer(s) to ask whether, in the last seven years, there has been a substantiated finding of misconduct violating that employer’s applicable sexual misconduct policies. To implement this process, the University requires a final candidate to complete and sign the form entitled “Authorization to Release Information” after execution of an offer letter.