Postdoctoral Scholar - Theoretical Particle and Astroparticle Physics

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Theoretical Particle and Astroparticle Physics. The successful candidate will join Dr.

Carlos Blanco's group and pursue independent research on direct and indirect probes of physics beyond the Standard Model with computational studies and analytical methods.

Qualifications

• PhD completed before start date.
• Experience in astroparticle physics and BSM phenomenology preferred.
• Ability to pursue independent research directions and contribute to collaborative projects.
• Strong analytical and computational skills with a record of publications.

Responsibilities

• Pursue independent research in theoretical particle and astroparticle physics.
• Collaborate with faculty and postdocs across physics and astronomy departments.
• Develop and analyze theoretical models and perform computational studies related to beyond‑the‑Standard‑Model physics.

Skills

Astroparticle physics

BSM phenomenology

Machine Learning

Deep Learning

Education

PhD in physics/astronomy or related field

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Eberly College of Science, Department of Physics at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking to fill a Postdoctoral Scholar position in Theoretical Particle and Astroparticle Physics to start in the fall of 2025. The postdoc will work on topics broadly related to direct and indirect probes of physics beyond the Standard Model, using analytical and computational approaches. The successful applicant will join Dr. Carlos Blanco's research group with significant academic freedom to pursue independent research directions. The postdoc will work closely with faculty and postdocs in the physics and astronomy departments, and will have access to the resources and expertise of the Materials Research Institute (MRI) and the Institute of Computational and Data Sciences (ICDS).

Ideal candidates will have experience in astroparticle physics and BSM phenomenology. Special consideration will be given to candidates with expertise in any of the following areas:

• Development of new direct detection methods
• Sub-GeV dark matter searches
• Astrophysical searches of BSM physics
• High-energy astroparticle transport calculations
• Materials modeling/electronic structure calculations
• Machine Learning/Deep Learning techniques

Education and Experience

A PhD in physics, astronomy, or a closely related field must be completed before the position begins.

Additional information: Applications must be submitted electronically and include a cover letter, CV, publication list, research statement, and three letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation should be sent by letter writers directly to Dr. Carlos Blanco at [e-mail]. Review of applications will begin December 15 and continue until a suitable candidate is found. This is a term appointment funded for one-year from the date of hire with possibility of renewal.

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