Postdoctoral Position in Gamma-ray Mission Instrument Simulation and Development at NASA/GSFC

Applications are now being accepted for a postdoctoral researcher to work on the development of simulatons for current and future gamma-ray missions at the Astroparticle laboratory at NASA GSFC. The position is funded through the Catholic University of America (CUA) and the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology II (CRESST II). The initial appointment is for two years, renewable for an additional year contingent upon performance, and availability of funds.

The Astroparticle laboratory is working on a broad portfolio of projects which include: Silicon based tracking detectors; Scintillation based gamma-ray detectors; CubeSat Satellites; AMEGO: a gamma-ray mission concept; The ComPair Balloon Mission; The Fermi Large Area Telescope.

This is a unique opportunity to participate in many different stages of mission development including prototyping, proposal development, mission formulation, and data analysis. We welcome applicants that can contribute to any of these gamma-ray instruments, specifically through developing detailed simulations of the detectors, instruments, spacecraft and orbital environment, as well as contributing to scientific data analysis and publications. 

Applicants should hold a PhD in physics, astronomy or a related field. The ideal candidate will have experience in using particle interaction software tools such as GEANT4, MEGALIB, and scientific toolkits like ROOT and pandas. Experience with github, travis, and other open source community developing tools is a plus.

Applicants should provide a cover letter, CV, a 3-page statement of research interests, publication list, code examples (github or equivalent links preferred but other methods are acceptable), and arrange to have three letters of recommendation submitted. Applicants more than five years past their PhD will be considered separately. The deadline to apply is January 8, 2020. Late applications will be considered at the discretion of the committee.

Salary and benefits are competitive, commensurate with experience and qualifications. A start date around March 2020 is preferred; later start dates may be negotiated. For more information about the proposed research, contact Dr. Regina Caputo ([email protected]). For information on CRESST II or CUA, contact Dr. Tommy Wiklind ([email protected]). We are committed to building a diverse group and encourage applications from women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans.  Catholic University of America is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.