"Research Assistant Professor in Experimental Particle Astrophysics"

The Enrico Fermi Institute of the University of Chicago invites applications for a Research Assistant Professor position. The successful candidate will participate in current and future balloon/space and ground-based experimental particle astrophysics experiments under the supervision of Professor Scott Wakely. The primary focus will be data analysis and interpretation, along with hardware refurbishment for the High-Energy Light Isotope eXperiment (HELIX) payload, a superconducting magnet spectrometer designed to make key measurements of cosmic-ray particle species at high energies.

The successful candidate will have experience in instrumentation/data acquisition systems, data analysis, and Monte Carlo simulations. They will participate in local hardware and software development as well as detector testing and commissioning. They will be expected to work closely with local postdoctoral scholars, graduate, and undergraduate students as well as collaborators. Occasional multi-week deployments to NASA test facilities and for launch campaigns will be required.

The term of the appointment will be for up to three years, with the possibility of renewal. The position is expected to begin in spring 2026.

Required

• A doctoral degree in physics
• At least three years of post-doctoral experience in experimental astroparticle physics or a closely related field
• Experience with superconducting magnet spectrometer systems

Preferred

• At least two years of post-doctoral experience in instrumentation and bespoke data acquisition systems
• At least two years of post-doctoral experience in high-level data analysis and interpretation
• At least two years of post-doctoral experience of detector-level and transport-level simulations

Candidates are required to submit a cover letter, CV, list of publications, and contact information for at least two (2) professionals in the field who can provide letters of recommendation. Applications must be submitted at this link: https://apply.interfolio.com/178857.

Applications must be submitted by January 30, 2026.

This position is benefits-eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Unit Name: Enrico Fermi Institute