Assistant Research Scientist (High-Energy Astrophysics and Space Weather Projects)

Job Posting Title:

Assistant Research Scientist (High-Energy Astrophysics and Space Weather Projects)

Position Type:

Other Academic

Department:

LSUAM Science - PA - Multimessenger (Michela Negro (00082539)) (SO005767)

Work Location:

0359 J.W. Nicholson Hall

Pay Grade:

Professional

Job Description:

Job responsibilities:

50% - Research on high-energy astrophysics and space weather: Conduct independent and collaborative research on CALET data from the International Space Station, continuing and extending the analysis of geomagnetic storm effects on Earth’s radiation belts, including a systematic search of the full-mission (10-year) CALET dataset. The position will manage the group’s simulation efforts, including running, validating, and documenting simulation campaigns and maintaining the associated analysis pipelines and software for use by other group members. Responsibilities also include preparing results for publication in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at collaboration meetings and scientific conferences, mentoring and training graduate and undergraduate students joining the group, participating in group and CALET collaboration meetings, and delivering periodic updates on research progress, simulation status, and student projects.

40% - Scientific Balloon Program: Support the Balloon Program Manager for the statewide student ballooning program (LaACES) and the HASP PI for the national ballooning program, which includes supporting the implementation of ballooning curriculum, producing training materials, delivering lectures, guiding hands-on activities, and serving as an advisor to participating student teams developing experiments related to space weather, heliophysics, and/or other astrophysics areas of research. The position will also provide technical support for flight hardware maintenance and refurbishment, testing and development of flight software, development of operations documentation, and overall support for payload integration and flight launch operations.

10% - Outreach: Support the Outreach Program Manager at community organizations and K-12 school events. Deliver space weather, heliophysics, or other astrophysics lectures and content at community and school-based events. Deliver scientific demonstrations at outreach events. Provide logistics support for events. And other duties as assigned.

Minimum requirements: Bachelor’s degree in physics or related field with seven years of related experience.

LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply – a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

Preferred qualifications: PhD in physics or related field with three years of related experience.

Additional Information: This position requires a valid driver’s license, will require an MVR, and will be subject to drug screenings per PS-67. This position and/or position’s responsibilities require work directly with minors. Finger printing and National Sex Offender Registry check required per FASOP HR-04.

Background Check -

An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits -

LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

Posting Date:

September 3, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

September 9, 2026