Job Details

Type: Full-Time
Salary: $65,000 – $100,000 per year
Posted: October 23, 2025
Category: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Job ID: 370773
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

About the Job

The Zooniverse Team in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Minnesota invites applications for a Research Associate position focusing on machine learning and data science applications in Astrophysics.

Zooniverse is the world’s largest platform for citizen science, engaging nearly 3 million volunteers who assist in labeling and data analysis across hundreds of research projects. With growing data volumes and advances in AI, the Zooniverse team is developing next-generation infrastructure to seamlessly combine human and machine intelligence.

Through new NSF funding, the team is expanding its capabilities, including an “Incubator” initiative to help research teams build custom front ends (IFEs) using Zooniverse’s back-end tools. These IFEs will enable new types of citizen science projects involving human-in-the-loop AI, such as integrating large language models for scientific discovery.

We seek an individual who thrives in data-intensive astrophysics research, machine learning, and collaborative development, and who is motivated to lead community-building and technological innovation within the Zooniverse ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

40% – Incubator and Community Leadership

• Lead the Zooniverse Incubator initiative and coordinate a Community of Practice (CoP).

• Support collaborators and teams building custom front ends (IFEs) for citizen science.

• Develop resources such as documentation, code notebooks, and GitHub repositories to guide researchers.

• Organize and lead CoP meetings, support open data/code practices, and promote inclusive collaboration.

40% – Astrophysics Research

• Conduct independent research using astrophysical datasets from Zooniverse and related projects.

• Publish in leading scientific journals.

• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in data analysis and machine learning.

20% – Communication, Service, and Professional Development

• Report progress to project stakeholders and funding agencies.

• Represent the Zooniverse team at conferences and workshops.

• Contribute to project reviews, working groups, and dissemination of results.

• Engage in professional growth through collaboration and exploration of emerging technologies.

Other related duties as assigned.

Note: H-1B visa sponsorship may be available for qualified candidates currently residing in the U.S.

Qualifications

Required:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, Computer Science, or a related data-intensive discipline.

• Proven experience in data science and machine learning at scale.

• Demonstrated leadership in coordinating collaborative projects (e.g., research groups, coding workshops).

• Strong publication record and mentoring experience.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, interdisciplinary team.

Preferred:

• Web development experience (academic or industry).

• Familiarity with human–computer interaction or citizen science research.

• Strong organizational, writing, and presentation skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Creativity, self-motivation, and commitment to community-driven science.

• Willingness to travel for collaboration, particularly to Chicago and Oxford, UK.

About the Department

Learn more about the School of Physics and Astronomy:
🔗 https://cse.umn.edu/physics

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range: $65,000 – $70,000 per year (depending on qualifications and experience)
Appointment: 100% (Full-Time)
Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Benefits include:

• Competitive pay, paid holidays, and generous time off

• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities

• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts

• University HSA contributions

• Disability and life insurance (employer-paid)

• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution

• Tuition benefits and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility

• Employee Assistance Program (including counseling sessions at no cost)

• Free or discounted Employee Transit Pass in the Twin Cities metro area

For more details, visit the Office of Human Resources – Benefits page.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the University of Minnesota careers portal.

Please include the following materials:

1. Cover letter describing your interest and qualifications.

2. Curriculum vitae, including recent publications.

3. 1–2 page research statement, highlighting relevant machine learning work.

4. Contact details for three references who will submit letters by January 23, 2026.

Application Deadline: January 23, 2026 (open until filled).

Apply now via the University of Minnesota Job Portal.

For accommodations during the application process, email employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity Statement

The University of Minnesota is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.

We provide equal access to employment and educational programs without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.

Learn more: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify candidates from consideration.

About the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is one of the nation’s largest public research universities, located in the dynamic and diverse Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area. UMTC offers world-class opportunities for research, collaboration, and academic growth.

Recognition & Awards:

• Star Tribune Top Workplace (2021)

• Forbes “Best Employers for Women” and “America’s Best Employers” (2015–2023)

• Forbes “Best Employers for Diversity” (2019, 2020)

• Forbes “Best Employers by State” (2019, 2022)