Postdoctoral Scholar- Neutrino Physics

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Neutrino Physics within the Department of Physics. The successful candidate will contribute to the Project 8 Neutrino Mass Experiment and detector R&D, including CRES-based approaches for single-electron detection.

Responsibilities include leading detector development, designing new signal acquisition systems for a large tritium detector, and performing simulations and data analyses for Project 8.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics or related field required.
• Experience with experimental particle astrophysics, nuclear or particle physics desirable.
• Strong background in detector R&D and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead detector R&D at the Penn State lab.
• Design and build next phase of Project 8 with signal acquisition systems.
• Run simulations and analyze Project 8 detector signals.
• Analyze current and future Project 8 data.

Skills

Experimental particle astrophysics

Nuclear physics

Particle physics

Education

Ph.D. in Physics

Job description

Position Overview

The Eberly College of Science, Department of Physics at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking to fill one Postdoctoral Researcher position in the area of Neutrino Physics.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on the Project 8 Neutrino Mass Experiment and on detector R&D.

The Project 8 experiment seeks to determine the neutrino mass via the precise measurement of the electron energy in beta decays.

We have developed and demonstrated the viability of a novel technique called Cyclotron Radiation Emission Spectroscopy (CRES), which allows single electron detection and characterization through the measurement of cyclotron radiation emitted by magnetically-trapped electrons produced by a gaseous radioactive source.

We are currently working on the design of a large scale detector aimed at measuring the neutrino mass.

Responsibilities

• Leading detector R&D at the Penn State laboratory
• Work in the design and construction of the next phase of the Project 8 experiment, with a focus on signal acquisition systems using resonant cavities for a large tritium detector
• Simulations and analysis of Project 8 detector signals
• Analysis of existing and future science data of the Project 8 experiment

Requirements

• Requirements include a Ph.D. in Physics
• The ideal candidate should have experience with experimental particle astrophysics, nuclear physics, particle physics or a related field

Employment Details

Remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.

This is a term appointment funded for one year from date of hire, with possibility of renewal.

Background Checks

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

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

Penn State is an equal opportunity 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.

We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.

We are committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging.

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