Engineering a world of possibilities
The successful candidate will work on the fabrication, assembly, testing, launch, and analysis of data from the POEMMA Balloon with Radio (PBR) experiment. They will also support research on topics directly connected to the Neutrino Science case of PBR, including the development of simulation software targeted at below-the-limb neutrino measurements.
The Colorado School of Mines seeks a postdoctoral researcher to take a leadership role on the POEMMA Balloon with Radio (PBR), a NASA super-pressure balloon (SPB) mission designed to study high-energy cosmic particles via multi-messenger detection. In this position, you will join an international collaboration and lead efforts to develop, integrate, and operate critical payload components, with a particular focus on, simulation, payload calibration, and the Cherenkov camera system. You will also participate in field testing, launch, and flight operations, as well as conduct physics analyses that contribute to the mission’s scientific objectives.
Key Responsibilities over the full appointment
Assembly and integration
Take a major role in the integration of the Cherenkov camera
Testing & Operations
Participate in payload integration activities
Take a lead role in organizing the calibration of the payload
Take a lead role in ground-based field testing of the instrument
Collaborate with the international team during launch and flight operations, providing real-time monitoring and technical expertise.
Research & Analysis
Take a lead role in Cherenkov simulation and integration in Offline software
Conduct a physics analysis project related to the PBR mission or space-based multi-messenger observations (e.g., stratospheric Cherenkov telescope data, earth-skimming neutrino simulations).
Present results at international conferences and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
Collaboration & Mentorship
Work closely with the broader PBR collaboration, which includes NASA, universities, and research institutions worldwide.
Provide mentorship to graduate and undergraduate students involved in mission-related projects.
Required Qualifications
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications
Appointment & Benefits
About Mines & Golden, CO
When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.
Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 36 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2025).
Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.
At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.
Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?
Annual Rate
$65,000
Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.
In addition to the amazing benefits mentioned below, Mines continues to show its dedication to its employees by offering an 11% employee contribution through our Mines Defined Contribution Plan and an incredible 12% employer contribution with immediate 100% vesting for our Research Faculty positions!
Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees.
For this role, that includes:
Flexible health and dental care options
Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.
Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution
Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
Free RTD Ecopass for regional transportation
All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state-of-the-art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center Mines has an on campus daycare center For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits
How to Apply Applicants will be asked to complete an online application and upload a resume/CV. References will not be collected or contacted until later in the selection process and the candidate will be informed before that contact is made.
Contact Kathleen Feighny, Human Resources, at kfeighny@mines.edu with any questions about this opportunity. This posting may be used to fill multiple openings.
Additional Information and Reasonable Accommodation Requests
It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position.
Equal Opportunity
Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.
Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.
Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.
Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting
