Postdoctoral Scholar - Department of Physics - Wissel Research Group
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About this role
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.
Wissel Lab Research
Researchers in the Wissel Lab work on several experiments deployed around the world including in Antarctica, Greenland, and high elevation mountains. Experiments include:
- Askaryan Radio Array (ARA)
- Future radio component of IceCube-Gen2 at the South Pole
- Radio Neutrino Observatory in Greenland (RNO-G) - searching for EeV-scale neutrinos with antennas deployed in polar ice.
- Payload for Ultra-high-Energy Observations (PUEO) - balloon-borne experiment searching for neutrino interactions in the ice and upgoing tau neutrinos from a high altitude.
- Beamforming Elevated Array for COsmic Neutrinos - exploring novel concepts for searching for upgoing tau neutrinos from a high-elevation mountain.
Previous experience in these experiments or related experiments is advantageous, but not required.
Postdoctoral Scholar Responsibilities on RNO-G
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 acquisitions systems.
- Contributions to event filtering, both at the hardware and software level.
- Searches for the highest energy neutrinos in the data.
- Instrument calibration and monitoring.
- Potential contribution to field deployment, installing and commissioning new stations for the experiment.
Penn State Research Environment
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, hosting:
- Astrophysical Multi-Messenger Observatory Network
- Strong experimental groups in LIGO, HAWC, Auger, HELIX, LZ, Project8, IceCube, GRAND, and Swift
- Leading theoretical groups in particle astrophysics, gravitation, and cosmology.
Additional Information
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.