The High Energy Physics (HEP) group at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), in collaboration with Prof. Carlos Argüelles’ group at Harvard, invites applications for two PhD scholarships beginning in March 2026. We seek outstanding candidates with demonstrated research experience and strong motivation to contribute to experimental neutrino astronomy.

The successful candidates will join the TAMBO (Tau Air-shower Mountain-Based Observatory) collaboration. TAMBO is a next-generation neutrino observatory designed to identify high-energy astrophysical neutrino sources by detecting multi-PeV, Earth-skimming tau neutrinos that can be distinguished from the atmospheric background. Using the topography of deep mountain valleys—such as the Colca Valley in Arequipa, Peru— to deploy an array of approximately 5,000 scintillator panels, TAMBO aims to observe air showers initiated by tau leptons emerging from the Earth’s crust, enabling precise reconstruction of neutrino energy and direction.

During the first year, the PhD work will focus on hardware development, optimization, and assembly of scintillator panels at the newly established HEP Laboratory at PUCP. This includes contributing to the deployment of a fully funded TAMBO prototype in the Colca Valley. The second and third years will center on simulation and reconstruction improvements, as well as data analysis of the prototype, which will provide unique measurements of cosmic-ray air showers in this new geographical configuration.

Successful candidates will receive fellowship support with a monthly stipend of S/4,000 (approx. US$1,200). Renewal each year will depend on satisfactory research performance and the availability of funding. Tuition fees and health insurance will be fully covered. Students will also receive the Harvard University affiliation on publications resulting from their research.

Deadline on 26/01/2026. More information here: https://inspirehep.net/jobs/3089590