Postdoctoral Position: Particle Astrophysics, Dark Matter, UCLA, USA

We invite applications for a postdoctoral research position at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the area of particle astrophysics/dark matter. UCLA is involved in the GAPS experiment designed to detect dark matter through its decays into antimatter. The search technique employed by GAPS is powerful and also complementary to other projects searching for dark matter such as direct detectors, collider experiments and gamma-ray/neutrino telescopes.

GAPS is a balloon-borne instrument, consisting of a tracker of ten layers of Si(Li) detectors, surrounded by a precision time-of-flight system. By use of a novel exotic atom technique to detect antimatter, GAPS will achieve a sensitivity reach for low-energy antideuterons and antiprotons that is two orders of magnitude better than current measurements. Construction of the GAPS experiment is fully funded and well underway, with the goal of a first Antarctic science flight in late 2022.

We are seeking a talented individual to carry out research with GAPS at UCLA. For the appropriate individual, there may be opportunity to participate in complementary research with the ground-based gamma-ray telescopes VERITAS and CTA. We encourage candidates working in the areas of particle/nuclear physics, particle astrophysics or astronomy and having a strong background in experimental/instrumental techniques to apply. A Ph.D., or equivalent degree, in physics or astronomy is required. The regular duration of the position would be two years, with a possible extension of one or two more years.

Applicants should send/email a CV and a statement of research interests (1-2 pages) to:

Professor Rene Ong, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1547, rene@astro.ucla.edu

Applicants should also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to the above email address. The deadline for receipt of applications is October 15, 2021. Applications arriving after this date will be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy.

Contact: Rene Ong (rene@astro.ucla.edu)

Letters of Reference should be sent to: rene@astro.ucla.edu