Postdoctoral Scholar - Department of Physics - Wissel Research Group

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Pennsylvania is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Physics to work on experimental searches for high energy neutrinos. The successful candidate will engage in diverse research activities within the Particle Astrophysics group, focusing on projects like RNO-G and gain valuable experience in the field. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in physics or astronomy and a strong background in related fields to thrive within a collaborative research environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. physicists with strong backgrounds in related fields are preferred.
• Experience with particle astrophysics experiments is advantageous.
• Must be able to collaborate within a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on RNO-G and validate data acquisition systems.
• Contribute to searches for high energy neutrinos.
• Assist with instrument calibration and field deployments.

Skills

Strong background in particle astrophysics

Experience in multi-messenger astrophysics

Knowledge of particle physics

Familiarity with cosmic ray physics

Education

Ph.D. in physics or astronomy

Job description

Postdoctoral Scholar - Department of Physics - Wissel Research Group

United States, Pennsylvania, University Park

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Particle Astrophysics group at Penn State is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work with Prof. Stephanie Wissel on experimental searches for the highest energy neutrinos, multi-messenger, and particle astrophysics.

Researchers in the Wissel Lab work on several experiments deployed around the world including in Antarctica, Greenland, and high elevation mountains. Experiments such as the Askaryan Radio Array (ARA) and the future radio component of IceCube-Gen2 at the South Pole and the Radio Neutrino Observatory in Greenland (RNO-G) search for EeV-scale neutrinos with antennas deployed in polar ice. Balloon-borne experiments like the Payload for Ultra-high-Energy Observations (PUEO) search for neutrino interactions in the ice and upgoing tau neutrinos from a high altitude. Researchers in the Wissel lab are also exploring novel concepts like the Beamforming Elevated Array for COsmic Neutrinos which searches for upgoing tau neutrinos from a high-elevation mountain. Previous experience in these experiments or related experiments is advantageous, but not required.

The postdoctoral scholar will conduct research on RNO-G, which is under rapid expansion to cover a full 40 kmθ. For RNO-G, the Penn State group is responsible for integration, testing, and validation of the data acquisitions systems and contributes to event filtering, both at the hardware and software level. As a part of the RNO-G team, they will contribute to searches for the highest energy neutrinos in the the data as well as instrument calibration and monitoring. The successful candidate may contribute to field deployment, installing and commissioning new stations for the experiment.

Penn State is a vibrant and stimulating environment for particle and multi-messenger astrophysics with ample opportunities for collaboration and career development. The postdoctoral scholar will be embedded within the Particle Astrophysics group and the Center for Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (CMA) at the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos (IGC). Penn State is a leading institution in multi-messenger astrophysics. PSU hosts the Astrophysical Multi-Messenger Observatory Network, strong experimental groups in LIGO, HAWC, Auger, HELIX, LZ, Project8, IceCube, GRAND, and Swift, as well as leading theoretical groups in particle astrophysics, gravitation, and cosmology.

Education and Experience

Applications will be considered from Ph.D. physicists and astronomers with strong backgrounds in particle astrophysics, multi-messenger astrophysics, particle physics, cosmic ray physics, and related fields.

Additional Information

Applications must be submitted electronically and include a CV and brief statement of research interests. Applicants should arrange for three reference letters to be submitted to [e-mail] indicating the appropriate job number in the subject line. This is a term appointment funded for one year from date of hire, with possibility of yearly renewal. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found.

Our lab is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion efforts at Penn State and we encourage individuals who identify as members of groups historically underrepresented in STEM to apply.

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Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.