Assistant Researcher-Space Sciences Laboratory, UC Berkeley
Position overview
Position title: Assistant ResearcherApplication Window
Open date: June 22, 2023
Most recent review date: Tuesday, Sep 19, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date: Sunday, Mar 31, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The Space Sciences Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for an Assistant Researcher position. This is a joint position between High Energy Solar Astrophysics, directed by Dr. Pascal Saint-Hilaire, and solar wind studies directed by Dr. Davin Larson. The former will be centered around the Gamma-Ray Imager/Polarimeter for Solar flares (GRIPS) high altitude balloon payload, while the latter around the Solar Wind Electrons Alphas and Protons (SWEAP) instrument on board the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) mission.
The assistant researcher will be expected to work collaboratively with a research team, to design, build and operate new high energy solar astrophysics missions, from high altitude balloons to full spacecrafts. The candidate will also lead data analyses and publish in reputed scientific journals, as well as assist other members of the team with theirs. In addition, the candidate will be expected to go on field campaigns for projects, up to a three months launch campaigns from Antarctica.
Responsibilities:
• Will be responsible for supporting the GRIPS high altitude balloon development and field campaigns:
o Germanium strip and BGO detector calibration activities, including measurements, and mass modeling
o GSE and flight software development for detector readout
o GRIPS operations while in flight
o Post-flight data analysis and publication of results
• Will be responsible for doing data analysis and interpretation of the SWEAP and ISOIS instrument on the PSP mission, characterizing PSP data with respect to understanding the effects of space weather, such as turbulence, waves, instabilities, wave-particle interactions, reconnection events, magnetic switchbacks, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), flares, and solar energetic particles (SEPs).
• Will be responsible for mass modeling and optimization for the SHARP instrument on the PADRE mission
• Will be leading and assisting other scientists with data analysis and the preparation of research for publication
• Will be responsible for training the students (undergrad, grad) associated with the above projects
• Will present annually at the Space Sciences Seminar and other colloquia
Department: http://ssl.berkeley.edu/
Qualifications
A PhD or equivalent international degree.
• At least three years of related work experience post-PhD.
• A publication record supporting the candidate’s research independence.
• Candidate should have experience taking and analyzing detector data for high energy applications (semiconductor and/or scintillator)
• Candidate should have experience with GEANT4 simulations (both EM and hadronic applications).
• Candidate should have experience analyzing solar physics data.
• Candidate should have experience with particle acceleration modeling and simulations through numerical solving of Fokker-Planck equations.
• Candidate should have mastery of one or more data analysis language, such as IDL or Python.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Statement of Research - 2-3 page statement of research interests and future plans.
Statement on Contributions to Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Statement on your contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including information about your understanding of these topics, your record of activities to date, and your specific plans and goals for advancing equity and inclusion if hired at Berkeley (for additional information go to https://ofew.berkeley.edu/recruitment/contributions-diversity).
Publications list (Optional)
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
Letters of reference will only be required of
finalists.
Help contact: ajoga@berkeley.edu
Campus Information
UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The excellence of the institution requires an environment in which the diverse community of faculty, students, and staff are welcome and included. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skill related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g., teaching, research, and service, as applicable).
The University of California, Berkeley 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. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct
In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.