| Postdoctoral positions in cosmology - experiment and/or analysis.
Applications are invited for Postdoctoral Scholars to pursue experimental and/or analytical cosmology research at Cornell University. The successful applicant(s) will collaborate with Michael Niemack (with opportunities for collaboration with other faculty) on research related to measurements of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) or combining CMB data with other cosmological data sets. Opportunities exist to help deploy, acquire, and analyze data from current observatories as well as to design, develop, and test superconducting and optical technologies and analytical tools for next generation observatories.
In 2013 we will complete the deployment of ACTPol -- the first polarimeter for the 6 meter Atacama Cosmology Telescope, located at 17,000 feet elevation in northern Chile -- which will measure the CMB polarization with unprecedented sensitivity on arcminute angular scales and will overlap with a wealth of astronomical observations that can be used for cross-correlations (including the SDSS III Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey and CFHT surveys). In addition to analyzing these data with collaborating institutions, there will be opportunities to propose and pursue independent research and to collaborate with other Cornell faculty, such as Rachel Bean, Liam McAllister, Ira Wasserman, and Gordon Stacey.
We are also developing designs, instrumentation, and technologies for next generation CMB surveys, which will be used to search for the signature of primordial gravity waves from inflation and to map the high-redshift dark matter distribution, as well as the CCAT project -- a 25 meter telescope for sub-millimeter and millimeter wavelength observations. Examples of experimental work that could be pursued include: characterization of the ACTPol instrument; optics design; optical properties of materials and coatings; mechanical, electrical, and cryogenics engineering; development and testing of superconducting transition edge-sensors, superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), and superconducting microwave resonators; and microfabrication research at the Cornell Nanoscale Facility.
The initial appointment is for one year, renewable for up to three years total, contingent upon availability of funds and employee performance. The appointment could start as early as January 1, 2013. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in observational cosmology/astrophysics, physics, applied physics, or a related field. Applications should be submitted at http://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/1735 and include a cover letter, a CV with publications, and a detailed summary of research experience and interests. Applicants must arrange to have at least three letters of recommendation uploaded, as per instructions on the academicjobsonline website. To ensure full consideration, all materials should be received by October 31, 2012; however, applications will be accepted until the position(s) are filled. For more information about the position(s), contact Prof. Michael Niemack at niemack(at)cornell.edu. Cornell is an equal-opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer. |
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