We invite applications for a postdoctoral research position at Columbia University to conduct research with the GAPS Antarctic balloon program, the first experiment optimized specifically for cosmic antiprotons, antideuterons, and antihelium as signatures of dark matter. GAPS is funded for its first two launches, with Flight 1 scheduled for late 2023. The Columbia University group is leading overall payload integration, in particular the Si tracker system at the center of the experimental design.

We are seeking a talented applicant to take a leading role in experiment integration and testing, flight analysis, and next-generation detector R&D. Ideal candidates will have experience with instrumentation, in particular hardware commissioning, as well as particle physics simulation and data analysis tools.

Review of applications will begin on January 15 and continue until a suitable candidate is found. The anticipated start date is July 2023, but earlier or later start-dates are also possible. The successful applicant must have completed all requirements for a Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, or a related discipline by the arranged start date. The initial appointment will be for one year, with an anticipated renewal for up to three years.

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to available budgets, qualifications, and experience. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.  Benefits eligibility are those associated with Officers of Research at Columbia, more details here: https://humanresources.columbia.edu/officers-eligibility 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that values contributions — through research, mentorship, and/or service — to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. More information on the Columbia University Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion can be found here: https://provost.columbia.edu/content/diversity-mission-statement.

To apply for this position, applicants should send a cover letter, CV, and statement of research interests (2 pages) to the email below.  Applicants should also arrange for at least three letters of recommendation sent directly to this address: Prof. Kerstin Perez, kerstin@astro.columbia.edu, subject line: Postdoctoral researcher for the GAPS experiment.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran Employer.