Description:
POSTDOCTORAL POSITION
PARTICLE ASTROPHYSICS, DARK MATTER
University of California, Los Angeles
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 anti-matter.
GAPS is a balloon-borne instrument sensitive to low-energy anti-protons and
anti-deuterons that could provide a unique signature for the annihilation of WIMP dark
matter. The search technique employed by GAPS makes it complementary to other
projects searching for dark matter such as direct detectors, collider experiments and
gamma-ray/neutrino telescopes.
GAPS will consist of a large array of Si(Li) detectors, surrounded by a time-of-flight system.
Low-energy anti-matter is detected in GAPS using a novel exotic atom technique (see
http://gamma0.astro.ucla.edu/gaps/ for more details). A successful prototype flight of
GAPS was carried out in 2012. GAPS has now been approved by NASA to proceed towards
the construction of a science flight instrument to be launched in Fall 2020.
We are seeking a talented individual to carry out research on the development of GAPS. We
encourage candidates with a strong experimental background in particle physics or particle
astrophysics or a strong instrumental background in astronomy to apply.
A Ph.D., or equivalent degree, in physics or astronomy is required. Applicants should send 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 at least three letters of recommendation to be sent to the
above email address. Deadline for receipt of applications is September 15, 2017.
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.