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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Penn State has an immediate opening for a Research Technologist - Physical Sciences, Intermediate Professional to work in the High Energy Astrophysics Detector and Instrumentation (HEADI) Lab. In the HEADI Lab we design, build, and test high energy detectors for future space observatories; we design, build and launch CubeSat orbital missions such as the BlackCAT CubeSat that is planned for a 2025 launch, and we utilize existing observatories to study astrophysical phenomena including gamma ray bursts, active galactic nuclei, and X-ray/gamma-ray binaries. We are currently seeking to hire a person to help with lab maintenance, building/testing the BlackCAT payload, and developing and maintaining test stands for our novel X-ray detectors. The person hired into this position will be expected to effectively utilize instrumentation-heavy lab spaces (e.g. spaces including clean rooms, vacuum systems, electronics lab bench, cryogenic cooling systems, etc.), and assist in hardware development and testing. They will also be expected to manage and understand procedures and test stand techniques, and to train and oversee undergraduate students utilizing these procedures, methods, and test stand equipment.

The duties of the research technologist include:

• Assist with build-up of orbital payloads
• building and troubleshooting electronic cables and boards
• Maintenance of vacuum and cooling systems
• Performing experiments required to test X-ray detectors
• Data collection using standard scientific practices
• Presenting results in written reports and orally
• Moderate problem solving and engineering solution generation for all of the above
• Management of wage-payroll undergraduate students and associated projects
• General upkeep of the lab including reordering consumables, maintaining the chemical inventory, ensuring safe lab practices, and ensuring that the lab is kept in a clean state

Required experience

• Working in a lab environment
• Running experiments while taking detailed notes
• General tool usage
• One year of work experience in an x-ray/gamma-ray lab environment

Desirable experience

• Knowledge of CAD programs such as Solidworks
• Experience with vacuum systems and cryogenic systems
• Soldering and general electronics experience
• Working on high energy instrumentation
• Coding experience, particularly in Python

U.S. Export Administration Regulations require that the successful applicant provide proof of employment eligibility under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR, 22CFR120-130). Proof of employment eligibility requires documentation that you are a) a U.S. citizen; or b) a Resident Alien (i.e. green-card holder).

Applications must be submitted electronically and include a cover letter, a resume or CV, and names and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The Research Technologist, Intermediate Professional level typically requires a Bachelor's degree or higher and 1+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

This is a term appointment funded for one year from date of hire with the possibility of renewal in our long-standing program.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.  We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
 

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure. 

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