AI for Astrophysics Research Technician

About the Department

The Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics is focused on teaching, research, and training in the modern field of astrophysics.

About the Role

This position supports a research project at the intersection of astrophysics, cosmology, and artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI/ML), focused on strong gravitational lensing analysis using simulation-based inference (SBI) with domain adaptation techniques. The work centers on developing robust, transferable inference pipelines that bridge the gap between synthetic simulations and real observational data from large-scale astronomical surveys such as DES and LSST.

Responsibilities

• Develop and benchmark simulation-based inference algorithms (e.g., NPE) for strong gravitational lensing parameter estimation.
• Implement domain adaptation techniques to improve model robustness and transferability between simulated and real survey data.
• Generate and curate strong lensing simulations using tools such as lenstronomy or similar ray-tracing frameworks.
• Train and evaluate deep learning models on simulated datasets and validate performance on realistic or real observational data.
• Investigate and mitigate systematic biases arising from simulation-to-reality mismatches (sim-to-real gap).
• Collaborate with team members to integrate inference pipelines into end-to-end analysis workflows.
• Conduct literature reviews to stay current with advances in SBI, domain adaptation, and strong lensing science.
• Document code, experiments, and results clearly, maintaining reproducible research practices.
• Present progress regularly in team meetings and contribute to scientific publications or conference proceedings.
• Provide technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Collect and enter data; assist in analyzing data.
• Assist with preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents.
• Perform other related work as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships, or equivalent experience in a related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).
• 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc degree in astrophysics, physics, computer science, or related discipline.
• Python programming for scientific applications.
• Experience with AI/ML algorithms.
• Computer programming, particularly Python.

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work in a diverse group that includes students, postdocs, and senior scientists.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks.

Benefits

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Pay

Hourly pay range: $27.00 - $30.77.

Schedule

Scheduled weekly hours: 37.5.