Department of Physics - Part Time Research Support - Ultrahigh Energy Neutrinos

Position Overview

The Department of Physics at Penn State is seeking to hire part‑time undergraduate research supports to work with Dr. Stephanie Wissel and her lab.

These individuals will assist Dr. Wissel with support research in ultrahigh energy neutrinos. Neutrinos can act as probes of explosive astrophysical objects and help identify the origin of cosmic rays—the most energetic charged particles in the universe. Because energetic neutrinos are rare and interact only weakly, enormous detectors are required to observe a substantial flux of neutrinos. By taking advantage of the long propagation lengths of radio signals generated when neutrinos interact with the Earth, radio detection techniques build the volumes needed.

The successful candidate will work on one of several experimental efforts designed to detect neutrinos in this way:

• BEACON and HERON aim to detect air showers from a high‑elevation mountain after they interact in the Earth.
• P  aims to detect those events from an ultra‑long duration balloon launched from New Zealand.
• RNO‑G, ARA, and Ice Cube‑Gen2 aim to detect ice showers from neutrinos using radio antennas embedded in polar ice at both Summit Station in Greenland and at the South Pole in Antarctica.
• PUEO searches for both types of neutrino interactions by flying a balloon over ice in Antarctica.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.

Assist research in ultrahigh energy neutrinos, supporting the experimental efforts listed above. Work on data collection, analysis, and instrumentation related to the BEACON, HERON, P , RNO‑G, ARA, Ice Cube‑Gen2, and PUEO projects.

Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion, and engage all individuals to help them thrive.

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

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.