Experimental Postdoctoral Fellow for HELIX balloon experiment

Physics World; Kingston; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Laboratory for Extreme Multi-Messenger Astrophysics at Queen's University invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher. The position focuses on the HELIX balloon experiment, involving data analysis, detector development, and collaboration within a dynamic research environment in astrophysics. This role offers significant engagement in cutting-edge projects and outreach efforts, ideal for candidates with a Ph.D. in relevant fields.

Benefits

Opportunities for collaboration with graduate and undergraduate students

Engagement in outreach activities

Support for employees with disabilities

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in relevant field.
• Experience with particle physics detectors and data analysis is desired.
• Knowledge of programming languages Python and/or C++ is required.

Responsibilities

• Participate in flight data analysis and simulation for the HELIX program.
• Engage in detector development and R&D studies.
• Collaborate on multi-messenger astrophysics discussions and outreach activities.

Skills

Unix/Linux-based operating systems

Python

C++

Education

Ph.D. in experimental particle astrophysics, nuclear or particle physics, astrophysics, or closely related field

Tools

Particle/astroparticle physics detectors

Monte Carlo simulations

Data acquisition systems

Job description

The Laboratory for Extreme Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (LEMMA, https://www.queensu.ca/physics/lemma/ ) at Queen’s University at Kingston invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to work with Professor Nahee Park on the HELIX (High Energy Light Isotope eXperiment) long-duration balloon experiment. HELIX is designed to measure cosmic ray isotopes at high energies with unprecedented precision. HELIX aims to cover a wide energy range using multiple flights with different detector configurations. The first-flight of the HELIX payload consists of a 1 Tesla superconducting magnet, a drift chamber, a time-of-flight system, and an aerogel ring imaging Cherenkov counter. HELIX had a successful flight from Kiruna, Sweden in 2024 summer and currently refurbishing/developing detectors for the next flight.

The successful candidate will be expected to participate in all aspects of the HELIX program, including flight data analysis, simulation, detector development, and R&D studies. The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to work closely with local graduate and undergraduate students. LEMMA is participating in multi-messenger observations with the IceCube neutrino observatory, as well as detector development for future cosmic-ray and neutrino experiments. LEMMA strives to build a collaborative research environment. The successful candidate will participate in group discussions on multi-messenger high-energy astrophysics. The postdoctoral fellow will participate in the organization of the High-energy astrophysics-related outreach activities. As part of a particle astrophysics group at Queen’s University, the postdoctoral fellow will have ample opportunities to interact with other research fellows working on the underground laboratories, mainly located at SNOLAB, and subatomic hardware development.

The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in experimental particle astrophysics, nuclear or particle physics, astrophysics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Unix/Linux-based operating systems and the Python and/or C++ programming languages is required. Experience with particle/astroparticle physics detectors, data analysis, Monte Carlo simulations, and instrumentation/data acquisition systems is desired.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online web page. Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for two references via the website ( https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30249 ). Applications will be reviewed as received, and continuing until a suitable applicant is identified. The perferred start date is late 2025. An earlier or later start date may be negotiable. Queen’s University thanks all who express an interest and advises that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized/visible minority and Indigenous/Aboriginal people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons.

The University has policies in place to support its employees with disabilities, including an Accommodation in the Workplace Policy and a policy on the provision of job accommodations that take into account an employee's accessibility needs due to disability. The University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant's accessibility needs. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please contact Prof. Nahee Park at [e-mail].