Two Postdoctoral Scholar Positions

The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) invites inspired young scientists to apply for a postdoctoral scholar position in the areas of high-energy gamma-ray astronomy, particle astrophysics, and development and construction of the related scientific instrumentation.  

POSITION 

Title: Postdoctoral Scholar 

Number of opened positions: Two 

Duration: Initial appointment duration is two years with a possibility for extension based on the availability of funds and mutual agreement. 

Salary range: Salary is based on the UC academic salary scale, which depends on the experience level and the appointment year. Currently, the range of salaries for the first year of the appointment is $60,000 - $72,000. 

Starting date: Both positions are opened immediately, and the starting date can be negotiated.  

APPLICATION PERIOD AND REVIEW 

Due date: Applications received by June 15, 2023, will receive full consideration. 

Review: Screening of candidates will begin upon receipt of completed applications. 

Past due date application: Application received after due date will be reviewed if the position has not yet been filled. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

Research areas: UCLA participates in forefront research in the areas of high-energy gamma-ray astronomy, ultra-high energy cosmic rays and neutrinos, and dark matter detection, and provides a competitive, vibrant environment for conducting scientific studies.  

Responsibilities: The successful candidate is expected to become involved in scientific and technology development activities focused on the next generation ground-based gamma-ray observatory Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA: https://www.cta-observatory.org), which is currently in the phase of construction. The scientific research areas include but not limited to very-high-energy (VHE) phenomena in galactic and extragalactic sources (active galactic nuclei and compact objects), multi-messenger and time-domain astrophysics, and VHE sky surveys. The successful applicant may become involved in simulation and data challenge studies of CTA, commissioning, operation, and data analysis activities of the prototype Schwarzschild-Couder telescope (pSCT: http://cta-psct.physics.ucla.edu) for CTA which is constructed at Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory (FLWO) in southern Arizona, USA. The candidate will also take part in data analysis and ongoing operation of the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS: https://veritas.sao.arizona.edu) gamma-ray observatory.  As a member of the CTA, SCT and VERITAS collaborations, the postdoctoral scholar will participate in the shifts and servicing activities at VERITAS and pSCT facilities. 

Job location: University of California Los Angeles campus 

Additional resources: Information on professional development and resources is available for the UCLA postdoctoral scholars (https://www.postdoc.ucla.edu). 

QUALIFICATION REQUIRMENTS 

Basic:  Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, and/or applied physics received no more than five years ago. 

Desired: working experience with modern software tools and strong software development skills, simulations and data analysis practice, excellent communication, and teamwork abilities.  

Encouraged: Experimental background in high-energy particle physics, astrophysics and/or high-energy physics instrumentation. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

Documents: Curriculum Vitae (CV); brief statement of experience, research interests and goals; statement of teaching (if prior teaching experience available); statement of past or potential contribution to diversity (optional).  

References: Applicants should arrange for at least two letters of recommendation to be sent directly to vvv@astro.ucla.edu and rene@astro.ucla.edu. 

Application and further inquiries:  Submit your application documents and potential further inquiries by email to Prof. Vladimir Vassiliev, email: vvv@astro.ucla.edu Prof. Rene Ong, email: rene@astro.ucla.edu.