Apply now Job no:498599
College / VP Area: College of Arts & Sciences
Work type:Staff
Location:Newark
Categories:Research & Laboratory, Full Time

Context of Job:

Radio detection of cosmic-ray air showers has made significant progress in the last years. Radio antennas can maximize the accuracy for the properties of the primary cosmic-ray particles when combined with arrays of particle detectors, in particular muon detectors. Since 2020 a prototype station of the IceCube-Gen2 surface array comprised of scintillators and antennas is operating at the South Pole, which has recently been upgraded to a newer data-acquisition electronics. IceCube(-Gen2) with its enhanced surface array will bear discovery potential for the yet unknown sources of the most energetic Galactic cosmic rays. As first step, a radio and scintillator enhancement of the existing IceTop array is planned. This year, other prototype stations of the same type will be installed at the Pierre Auger Observatory in Argentina as well as at the University of Delaware for developments and tests. The goal for the next few years is to optimize the data-acquisition, deploy and operate the radio antennas, and perform accurate measurements of air showers in coincidence with the other detectors in place. As preparation for the analysis, Monte Carlo simulations and software development are essential. Recently, we have started to use machine-learning techniques, in particular, deep neural networks for data analysis. The work is done together with the local team at the Bartol Research Institute at the University of Delaware as well as with international collaborators.

Major Responsibilities:

The Postdoctoral Researcher (PDR) will work on the measurement and analysis of cosmic-ray air showers and corresponding simulation studies. A particular focus will be on radio detection of air showers with the existing prototype stations and the future surface detectors. Additionally, the PDR will be involved in cosmic-ray analyses with the existing IceCube detector, and potentially also with the Pierre Auger Observatory. Involvement in hardware related activities is welcome and the exact tasks will be defined taking the experience and background of the successful applicant into account. Furthermore, the PDR will perform collaboration service such as measurement shifts and will assist with the mentoring of students of the local group. Research results will be published and presented at conferences, and intermediate results will be regularly discussed in group and collaboration meetings.

Qualifications:

• PhD in physics or a closely related field.
• Experience in experimental astroparticle physics or a related field, such as experimental particle physics or radio astronomy, demonstrated by publications or contributions to international conferences.
• Programming skills, ideally in C++ or Python
• Experience with CORSIKA and Tensorflow is welcome, but not required.
• Hardware experience, for example regarding radio antennas or scintillation detectors or the corresponding electronics, is an asset.
  Last but not least, interest in collaborative research both within and outside the team, and proficiency of English.

Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Applications close:Open until filled

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