Cosmology Instrumentation Research Assistant

Cosmology Instrumentation Research Assistant

The Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics is a special place, where experimentalists, theorists, simulators, and observers come together to deepen the understanding of the origin and evolution of the Universe and the laws that govern it. Central to our mission is to train the next generation of physicists and astronomers to address the most compelling problems in cosmology, broadly speaking.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Cosmology Instrumentation Research Assistant who will work with Prof. Abigail Vieregg on the development of instrumentation for applications in cosmology. This includes development and testing of optics for the next-generation camera for the South Pole Telescope, SPT-3G+, and development of radio instrumentation for applications in cosmology. The research assistant will work with graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and research faculty to develop and test new hardware.

Responsibilities

• Sets up lab facilities for mechanical and optical testing of millimeter-wave optics, under the direction of the principal investigator, research scientists, and other laboratory staff.
• Assists with mechanical design and integration of optical elements into optics tubes in the SPT-3G+ camera.
• Runs characterization tests of optical systems, including analysis of the data to ensure the as-built components meet the design specifications.
• Assists with the development of radio instrumentation for cosmology.
• Provides support for shipping and lab supplies.
• Works with staff to purchase equipment and materials for the laboratory cosmology instrumentation efforts.
• Ensures that the laboratory is equipped with tools and components and is organized for efficient use.
• Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under direct supervision.
• Collects and enters data. Assists in analysis of data and with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• A bachelor's degree.

Experience:

• Previous work in development of radio or millimeter-wave instrumentation for astronomical or cosmological applications.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Proficiency with Python.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work in a diverse group that includes students, postdocs, and senior scientists.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize tasks.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory setting.
• Occasional work outside of normal business hours for observing with instrumentation.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• 3 Professional References (required)

Job Family: Research

Role Impact: Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5

Pay Rate Type: Hourly

​FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

​Pay Range: $24.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible: Yes

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.

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.