Adjunct Researcher - Physics & Astronomy - PASCAL (Kent Gee's Lab)

Brigham Young University; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Part time

Job summary

Brigham Young University invites applications for Adjunct Researcher in Physics & Astronomy, PASCAL (Kent Gee's Lab). The role focuses on experimental acoustics research, data analysis, and collaboration with students and faculty on ongoing projects.

The position starts January 4, 2027; candidates must relocate to Utah for the duration. A Master’s degree is required (PhD preferred) with strong mentoring and technical skills in acoustics and MATLAB or similar tools.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in physics, acoustics, engineering, or related field completed by start date.
• PhD in related field preferred; degree must be completed by start date.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate researchers.
• Experience with acoustical measurements and data analysis using MATLAB or similar tools.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct laboratory and field acoustic measurements.
• Analyze and interpret acoustic data; develop computational models.
• Prepare, calibrate, deploy, and troubleshoot research equipment.
• Mentor undergraduate researchers in experimental and computational methods.
• Contribute to technical reports, publications, and research proposals.
• Coordinate research activities, field testing, data organization, and safety procedures.

Skills

Experimental research

Acoustical measurements

Signal processing

Research data handling

Collaborative research

Mentoring undergraduates

Education

Master's degree

PhD preferred

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

Adjunct Researcher - Physics & Astronomy - PASCAL (Kent Gee's Lab)

Posting End Date: October 22, 2026 *NOTE: Last day to apply is Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 11:59pm (MT)

Position Start Date: January 4, 2027

Required Degree: Master’s degree in physics, acoustics, engineering, or a closely related field. PhD in physics, acoustics, engineering, or a related field, with expertise in physical acoustics or aeroacoustics preferred. The required degree must be completed by the start date.

Required Experience

• Experimental research in acoustics or a related field
• Acoustical measurements and experimental methods
• Signal processing and numerical/data analysis
• Working with technical equipment and research data
• Scientific/computational data analysis, using MATLAB or comparable tools
• Experience working in a collaborative research environment
• Experience or demonstrated interest in mentoring undergraduate researchers

Preferred Experience

• Physical acoustics and/or aeroacoustics research
• Working in an academic, government, or industrial research laboratory
• Full-scale or field acoustical measurements
• Using microphones, microphone arrays, data-acquisition systems, calibration equipment, and related instrumentation
• Aircraft noise, launch-vehicle noise, jet noise, sonic booms, acoustic propagation, or nonlinear acoustics
• Acoustic source characterization and modeling
• MATLAB, with Python or similar scientific-computing tools also valuable
• Technical/scientific writing
• Peer-reviewed publications
• Conference presentations
• Research proposal development
• Planning and conducting laboratory and field measurements
• Experimental equipment preparation, calibration, deployment, and troubleshooting
• Research coordination and field-test planning
• Mentoring students in experimental methods, coding, data analysis, scientific writing, and laboratory practices

Duties/Expectations

• Plan and conduct laboratory and field acoustic measurements.
• Analyze and interpret acoustic data and develop computational models.
• Prepare, calibrate, deploy, and troubleshoot research equipment.
• Mentor undergraduate researchers in experimental and computational methods.
• Contribute to technical reports, publications, presentations, and research proposals.
• Coordinate research activities, field testing, data organization, and safety procedures.
• Collaborate effectively with faculty, students, and research partners.

This position requires the successful candidate to relocate and/or reside in Utah for the duration of their employment.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend. All employees are required to abide by the university's Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards. Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university within the context of the principles and doctrines of the affiliated church.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status. The mission of Brigham Young University — founded, supported, and guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — is to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life.

BYU employees must possess a commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the Aims of a BYU Education. That commitment is demonstrated through the following behaviors, attitudes, and expressions: intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among members of the BYU community commitment to seek and be led by the Holy Ghost in all aspects of university assignments student-centeredness above all other professional pursuits excellence in teaching, scholarship, mentoring, and citizenship commitment to a campus culture of unity, love, and belonging a pattern of exemplary conduct that combines spiritual values and personal integrity in conducting work in a professional manner consistent with the values espoused by the university and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a pattern of public expression that faithfully promotes the mission and doctrines of the Church; is devoid of contradicting or opposing Church doctrines, policies, and general leaders; and refrains from expressions and behaviors that are dishonest, unchaste, profane, or disrespectful of others

BYU is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.