The Enrico Fermi Institute of The University of Chicago invites applications for a Research Scientist position working in the lab of Professor Scott Wakely. The research scientist will participate in the commissioning, flight, and analysis of data from a new suborbital particle astrophysics experiment called HELIX. HELIX, the High-Energy Light Isotope eXperiment, has been designed by an international collaboration to make key measurements of cosmic-ray particle species at high energies, with unprecedented precision. The payload consists of a large superconducting magnet, a gas drift chamber, a time-of-flight system, and an aerogel ring-imaging Cherenkov detector. The first flight of the instrument is anticipated to occur in 2023 or 2024. The term of the appointment will be for up to three years and is expected to begin in winter 2023.

The research scientist will participate in local hardware and software development as well as detector testing and calibration. They will be expected to work closely with local graduate and undergraduate students as well as collaborators visiting the Chicago integration site to work on the payload. Travel for payload testing and deployments is required.

Qualifications

Required: • A Ph.D. in physics or astronomy • At least two years post-doctoral experience in experimental research

Preferred: • Two years experience in instrumentation/data acquisition systems, data analysis, and Monte Carlo simulations

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit the following materials: • Cover letter • CV • Publication list • The names and contact information for 2 references

Applications must be submitted online through the University of Chicago’s academic jobs website: https://apply.interfolio.com/116366

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/ Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination (https://www.uchicago.edu/non-discrimination).

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-1032 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.