Postdoctoral Position in Experimental Nuclear Astrophysics

The National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) invites applications from outstanding candidates for a fixed-term Research Associate (postdoctoral researcher) position in the area of experimental nuclear astrophysics, who will work in the research group of Prof. Christopher Wrede on measurements of beta-delayed charged particle and gamma-ray emissions using the Gaseous Detector with Germanium Tagging (GADGET). The successful candidate will work closely with the other members of the GADGET collaboration on the upgrade of GADGET’s Proton Detector into a Time Projection Chamber. The primary scientific motivation for the upgrade is to determine the rate of the 15O(a,g)19Ne reaction during thermonuclear runaways on accreting neutron stars in order to accurately model the corresponding X-ray bursts detected by space-based telescopes.

Research Associate positions are typically for two years, depending on the availability of funds. Renewal for the second year is based on a performance evaluation. A third year is possible, subject to funding and satisfactory performance evaluations.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience developing radiation detection systems
• Experience with Micromegas and/or Time Projection Chambers
• Experience with General Electronics for TPCs (GET) system
• Experience with ROOT and/or GEANT4 software
• Interest in nuclear astrophysics and experience with nucleosynthesis network calculations

Review of applications will begin immediately and the search will continue until the positions are filled. General questions regarding the position may be sent to the Associate Director for Experimental Science, Sean Liddick (liddick@nscl.msu.edu); specific research questions should be sent to Prof. Christopher Wrede (wrede@nscl.msu.edu).