Astrophysics & Cosmology Benchmark Consultant

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in New York.

📋 Description

• Develop innovative graduate-level computational problems rooted in authentic astrophysics and cosmology workflows.

• Create assignments that involve cosmological calculations, angular power spectra, galaxy survey analysis, observational data reduction, or related computational astronomy processes.

• Formulate problems that necessitate precise outputs from thoroughly defined computational setups.

• Design tasks that assess strategic reasoning, physical interpretation, numerical judgment, and meticulous analysis of partial scientific outputs.

• Collaborate with astropy or similar astrophysics and cosmology software tools.

• Create problems that encompass astronomical coordinate systems, cosmological distance calculations, survey data interpretation, angular spectra, or outputs from observational pipelines.

• Determine if tasks require genuine astrophysical reasoning rather than mere surface-level computation.

• Identify edge cases, software limitations, numerical artifacts, and reasoning pitfalls.

• Write Python problem setups, oracle functions, and solution validation tools.

• Enhance tasks based on calibration feedback until the difficulty aligns with the target range.

• Develop structured evaluation materials that promote reproducible scoring and consistent review.

• Ensure technical precision, reproducibility, and comprehensive documentation across all submitted task materials.

⛳️ Requirements

• Graduate-level knowledge in astrophysics, cosmology, observational astronomy, computational astronomy, physics, applied mathematics, or a closely related STEM discipline.

• MS, PhD, or equivalent research experience in a pertinent field.

• Practical experience using astropy or similar astrophysics and cosmology software tools in real research settings.

• Proficient Python programming skills for scientific computing, validation logic, and task setup.

• Experience writing code that utilizes scientific software libraries to tackle actual astronomy, astrophysics, or cosmology challenges.

• Ability to comprehend software edge cases, numerical constraints, and what constitutes a genuinely challenging problem.

• Capacity to work independently and iterate on problem designs in response to feedback.

• Proficiency in Linux, terminal-based environments, or remote computational sandboxes.

• Relevant experience in research publications, open-source contributions, professional scientific software development, or applied astrophysics/cosmology analysis.

• Experience in designing or validating observational or computational astrophysics pipelines may be particularly advantageous.

• Availability for approximately 15–20 hours per week, depending on project requirements.

• Experience with a variety of astrophysics, astronomy, cosmology, or scientific computing tools is a plus.

• Familiarity with benchmark design, evaluation design, calibration workflows, or technical task validation is a plus.

• Background in scientific pedagogy, exam design, problem-set creation, or graduate-level technical evaluation is a plus.

• Experience with computational reproducibility, containerized environments, remote computing, or research software packaging is a plus.

🏝️ Benefits

• Flexible scheduling.

• Remote consulting opportunities.

• Competitive compensation ranging from $60 to $90 per hour, depending on expertise and project scope.

• Weekly payments through Stripe or Wise.

• Project durations may be extended, shortened, or modified based on scope and performance.