Postdoctoral Scholar - Theoretical Particle and Astroparticle Physics

The Eberly College of Science, Department of Physics at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking to fill a Postdoctoral Scholar position in Theoretical Particle and Astroparticle Physics to start in the fall of 2025. The postdoc will work on topics broadly related to direct and indirect probes of physics beyond the Standard Model, using analytical and computational approaches. The successful applicant will join Dr. Carlos Blanco's research group with significant academic freedom to pursue independent research directions. The postdoc will work closely with faculty and postdocs in the physics and astronomy departments, and will have access to the resources and expertise of the Materials Research Institute (MRI) and the Institute of Computational and Data Sciences (ICDS).

About the Role

• Broadly related to direct and indirect probes of physics beyond the Standard Model
• Using analytical and computational approaches
• Joining Dr. Carlos Blanco's research group
• Working closely with faculty and postdocs in the physics and astronomy departments
• Access to the resources and expertise of MRI and ICDS

Responsibilities

• Work on topics related to direct and indirect probes of physics beyond the Standard Model
• Use analytical and computational approaches
• Pursue independent research directions under Dr. Carlos Blanco's guidance
• Collaborate with faculty and postdocs in the physics and astronomy departments
• Utilize resources and expertise from MRI and ICDS

Requirements

• A PhD in physics, astronomy, or a closely related field must be completed before the position begins
• Experience in astroparticle physics and BSM phenomenology
• Special consideration will be given to candidates with expertise in development of new direct detection methods, sub-GeV dark matter searches, astrophysical searches of BSM physics, high-energy astroparticle transport calculations, materials modeling/electronic structure calculations, machine learning/deep learning techniques

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, astronomy, or a closely related field
• Experience in astroparticle physics and BSM phenomenology
• Specialized expertise in relevant areas (development of new direct detection methods, sub-GeV dark matter searches, astrophysical searches of BSM physics, high-energy astroparticle transport calculations, materials modeling/electronic structure calculations, machine learning/deep learning techniques)

Skills

• Strong analytical and computational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Knowledge of astroparticle physics and BSM phenomenology
• Expertise in relevant areas (development of new direct detection methods, sub-GeV dark matter searches, astrophysical searches of BSM physics, high-energy astroparticle transport calculations, materials modeling/electronic structure calculations, machine learning/deep learning techniques)

Benefits

• Significant academic freedom to pursue independent research directions
• Opportunity to collaborate with faculty and postdocs in the physics and astronomy departments
• Access to resources and expertise from MRI and ICDS

Pay

• This is a term appointment funded for one year from the date of hire with possibility of renewal

Schedule

• Term appointment funded for one year from the date of hire with possibility of renewal

Education and Experience: A PhD in physics, astronomy, or a closely related field must be completed before the position begins. Additional information: Applications must be submitted electronically and include a cover letter, CV, publication list, research statement, and three letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation should be sent by letter writers directly to Dr. Carlos Blanco at carlosblanco@psu.edu. Review of applications will begin December 15 and continue until a suitable candidate is found.

For more information, please visit Penn State’s website.