Postdoc in Software Development for Astrochemical Spectroscopy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA (Deadline: 30.03.2026)

A postdoctoral position in software development for laboratory and observational astrophysics and astrochemistry is available in the McGuire Group, Department of Chemistry, MIT.

pectroscopy is the tool by which we probe the observable universe to understand the composition of matter, how it moves and interacts with its environment, and how it shapes other (habitable?) worlds. For decades, our advances in this area were hindered by telescope technology, with our terrestrial laboratory efforts and computational tools far outpacing the rate at which we collected data. With the advent of ALMA, this paradigm has inverted. From a computational side, we have only analyzed a small fraction of the data accumulated with this and other modern facilities. By 2028, ALMA’s WSU expansion will increase the spectral data collected by orders of magnitude. Datasets from the ngVLA will be a step function larger still. While observatories are developing new computational tools to handle the calibration and processing of these data, they are not resourced to lead the development of libraries to analyze these data, especially from a spectroscopic standpoint.

The successful candidate will lead design and development of an open source Python-based package for the prediction and analysis of spectroscopic data, primarily rotational spectra and radio astronomical observations. The package will be an overhaul and extension of a first-generation suite of codes. In consultation with stakeholders, the postdoc will synthesize an extensive (existing) collection of science and technical requirements into a development plan and roadmap, then lead those development efforts. The work will be performed in close collaboration with scientific staff at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) to identify synergies with next-generation telescopes (e.g. ALMA WSU and ngVLA) and value-added archival data products. The postdoc will be located at MIT, but will visit NRAO Headquarters in Charlottesville, VA, as part of these design efforts.

The initial appointment is for one year, with renewal for an additional year available contingent on performance and mutual agreement. Further extensions are possible contingent on funding. The postdoc will be expected to devote 50% of their effort to this development process during that time, while the remaining 50% is to be used to pursue their own scientific interests. As part of the McGuire group, the postdoc will have access to several state-of-the-art microwave spectrometers, numerous large astronomical datasets, an extensive network of international collaborators, and the opportunity to mentor students and travel to meetings to present their work.

Minimum Requirements: A PhD in Astronomy/Astrophysics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, or related field. Demonstrated expertise in Python and significant software development experience.

Preferably, the successful candidate will also have experience with rotational spectroscopy, radio astronomy, radiative transfer calculations, and/or machine learning.

These qualifications can be demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, but it is recognized that publications are not always the best indicator of skills and experience in scientific software development.

Applications will be reviewed starting 28 January 2026 and review will continue until the position is filled. The initial step of the application requires a curriculum vitae, cover letter (2 pages maximum), and names and contact information for three references.

The cover letter should highlight your Python software development experience as well as any familiarity with rotational spectroscopy, radio astronomy, radiative transfer calculations, and/or machine learning. You should also briefly describe your scientific interests, accomplishments to date, and plans for your research during the postdoc — these can include specifying areas of current research in the group that you would be interested in contributing to. Finally, please provide the names and e-mail addresses of three individuals willing to provide a letter of recommendation upon request.