Postdoctoral Research Associate - PRIMA Detectors, Department of Astronomy

PRIMA is a far-infrared NASA Astrophysics Probe recently selected for Phase B. PRIMA promises extraordinary new observational capability to determine the role of water in exoplanet formation and masses and abundances in protoplanetary disks, measure the coevolution of star formation and supermassive black hole growth in galaxies over cosmic time, and measure the buildup of dust in galaxies and its relation to metallicity. PRIMA will use ultrasensitive thousand-detector arrays of kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs), which have recently reach astrophysical photon-background-limited sensitivities. This postdoctoral opportunity is to characterize KID arrays for the FIRESS instrument on PRIMA in a new lab in the Astronomy Department at the University of Virginia. Job duties include: detector array testing, analysis of test data, maintenance and operation of the detector testbed; participation in group and collaboration meetings; and preparation of results for reports, publication, and conference presentations.

The successful applicant will work closely with the detector fabrication and PRIMA teams at JPL and Goddard Space Flight Center, and graduate and undergraduate students at UVA. Consider joining our welcoming team to work at the cutting edge of far-infrared detector technology and enable exciting, new astrophysics.

This is a one-year appointment; The appointment may be renewed for an additional year contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Doctoral Degree in Physics, Astronomy, Electrical Engineering, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications

• The successful applicant should have experience with one or more of the following specialties: sub-Kelvin cryogenics, far-infrared to millimeter-wave detectors, or detector readout electronics.

Salary Range

• The anticipated salary range for this position is $68,000 - $70,000 annually.

Work Location

• This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site. Work will be performed in a laboratory setting.

About UVA and the Community

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Application Timeline

For full consideration, applications should be received by January 1, 2027. Review of applications will begin on that date, and the position will remain open until filled.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

How to Apply

Apply online by searching for position number R0088962. Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website. Attach a single compiled PDF containing:

• A Research Statement (maximum of 2 pages, excluding references) that (i) describes how your past research and experience prepare you for this position and (ii) outlines how your research interests and expertise could contribute to the scientific goals of the collaboration. The statement should specifically address the applicant's interest in pursuing the research directions described in this advertisement.
• A curriculum vitae (including a list of publications)
• Three letters of recommendation

Applications without all required documents may not receive full consideration.

Contact

• For questions about the position, please contact Jason Glenn, jason.glenn@virginia.edu.
• For questions about the application process, please contact Rich Haverstrom, rkh6j@virginia.edu.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.