Postdoctoral Scholar - Department of Physics - Wissel Research Group

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 Ice Cube-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 km2. For RNO-G, the Penn State group is responsible for integration, testing, and validation of the data acquisition systems and contributes to event filtering, both at the hardware and software level. As part of the RNO-G team, they will contribute to searches for the highest energy neutrinos in 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.

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.

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 physicsapply 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.

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 .

University Park, PA