Postdoctoral Researcher in Gamma Ray Burst Instrument Development with BurstCube

Applications are now being accepted for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on hardware 
efforts in the integration and ultimate flight of BurstCube at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 
in Greenbelt, MD. The position of a postdoctoral appointment in the University of Maryland, 
Baltimore County’s (UMBC) Center for Space Sciences and Technology (CSST), funded by NASA through the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology II (CRESST II).

The first direct detections of Gravitational Waves (GWs) brought astronomy into a new era of 
discovery. The search for electromagnetic counterparts to GW sources is now more important than 
ever. We are currently integrating a CubeSat to detect astrophysical counterparts to GW signals as 
well as other gamma-ray transients. BurstCube is a ‘6 U’ CubeSat (10 cm x 20 cm x 30 cm) composed of four scintillator detectors read out by arrays of silicon photomultipliers. BurstCube will 
automatically detect gamma-ray transients onboard, sending rapid alerts to the ground to enable 
follow-up observations.

The BurstCube instrument is fully assembled and tested and is scheduled to be integrated into the 
bus in February 2022. The mission will launch in the Fall of 2022 or early 2023 and will operate 
for at least one year. We are looking for an applicant to lead the integration of BurstCube and 
contribute significantly to ground system development and operations as well as contribute to 
scientific data analysis and publications. Job duties during integration include leading a team of 
scientists and engineers in the integration efforts, developing integration and test plans, 
documenting assembly and integration campaigns, and reporting progress in weekly and monthly 
meetings. Job duties during operations include leading instrument commissioning and testing 
efforts, serving as a duty scientist during science operations, and supporting the science mission. 
The job includes at least 20% time to pursue independent research relevant to gamma-ray 
astrophysics. All duties related to BurstCube and independent research are fully funded through 
this position.

Candidates for the position must have a Ph.D. in a related field with relevant experience to 
gamma-ray astrophysics and/or hardware development. The position is 100% funded. All faculty, 
students, and staff who are employed by UMBC through CRESST II are required to be vaccinated 
against COVID-19. Proof of full vaccination will be required before the start of employment.

The position will remain available until filled. Applicants must be able to start onsite at 
NASA/GSFC in Summer 2022. Complete applications received by April 22, 2022, will receive full 
consideration. Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae including a complete publications list, 
a 2-3-page statement of research interests, and contact information for three
references via email to Ms. Katherine McKee ([email protected]).

Salary and benefits are competitive, commensurate with experience and qualifications. For more 
information about BurstCube, contact Dr. Jeremy Perkins ([email protected]). For 
information on CRESST II or UMBC, contact Dr. Don Engel ([email protected]). UMBC is committed to inclusive excellence and innovation and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, 
veterans, and individuals with disabilities. UMBC is an equal opportunity
employer and welcomes all to apply. EOE/M/F/D/V.