Salary: Band D S1 £44,982
Role:Research Associate on the QUEST-DMC dark matter experiment.
Duration:3-year fixed term contract.
Location:Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL).
Hours:Full-time.
Start Date:Between April 2025 – October 2025.
Applications are invited for a Research Associate position in Experimental Particle Physics to work on novel R&D and dark matter search analysis techniques for the QUEST-DMC experiment, within the Particle Physics Department (PPD) at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL). The post will initially be for three years.
PPD is one of the largest Particle Physics (PP) groups in the UK and contributes to all major PP experiments in the UK. Since 2024, PPD has been involved with the QUEST-DMC dark matter search experiment, one of seven flagship experiments funded by the Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics (QTFP) programme. QUEST-DMC, a unique interdisciplinary collaboration of particle and ultra-low temperature physicists, has unprecedented sensitivity to dark matter candidates in the ~keV mass range, with the use of a superfluid Helium-3 target. Unlike other dark matter experiments, the QUEST-DMC detector is not currently located underground, meaning that cosmic muon backgrounds are a major limiting factor to the experimental sensitivity.
As the successful applicant you will be responsible for the delivery of an ultra-low temperature photon detection system for QUEST-DMC, including the design, construction, and commissioning of the detector. In the first instance, the system will be used for cosmic muon detection/rejection; on the longer term, there is the potential for it to be used to detect scintillation from the Helium-3 target itself.
You will also take a leading role in establishing the brand-new cryogenic laboratory currently under construction in PPD, where this work will take place. Build skills in a broad range of QUEST-DMC physics, simulation and reconstruction, and statistical inference topics, playing a key role in dark matter search campaigns.
There will also be future R&D opportunities, such as collaborating with colleagues at Lancaster University to explore potential hardware upgrades that can boost the sensitivity reach of QUEST-DMC.
In addition to the research on QUEST-DMC, you will have the opportunity to become involved with the DarkSide-20k experiment, another liquid noble gas direct detection experiment that, analogous to QUEST-DMC, searches for dark matter particle scattering interactions. Instead of superfluid Helium-3, DarkSide-20k employs a large volume of liquid argon as its target medium. This gives the applicant the chance to collaborate on two different dark matter experiments, where they can enhance both their scientific and professional portfolios.
Applications should consist of a CV and a covering letter explaining why you're suited to this position and the names and addresses of three referees. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr. Ashlea Kemp ().
About you
To apply for this role, we are looking for the following:
Essential
- You must hold or be about to receive a Ph.D. in Particle Physics or a similar field. (S).
- Have relevant postgraduate experience in particle physics experiments, or equivalent (S&I).
- Familiarity with C++ and/or Python (S&I).
- Working knowledge of Monte Carlo simulations and/or data analysis techniques (S&I).
- Experience of working in a laboratory environment (S&I).
- The ability to undertake original research and work independently. (S&I)
- Ability to coordinate several activities in parallel along with experience of working collaboratively with large groups of people from a range of different countries (S&I).
- Good communication skills and proficient in English
- Ability and willingness to acquire required knowledge (I).
Desirable
- Working Knowledge of rare-event, low background experiments (S&I).
- liquid noble gas dark matter experiments (S&I).
- Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) sensors (S&I).
- simulation, reconstruction, and statistical inference techniques for dark matter experiments (S&I).
- ultra-low temperature systems (S&I).
- experience in supervision (i.e., students) (S&I).
- willing to spend extended periods of time (~3-6 months) at Lancaster University (I).
- able to work occasional shift work at unsocial hours (I).
Employee Benefits
- 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
- Flexible working hours.
- An excellent average salary pension scheme.
- Employee shopping/travel discounts.
- Excellent learning and development opportunities.
- Visa Sponsorship
Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visithttps://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costsor contact .
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are invested in crafting an environment that is welcoming and encouraging of all. In this regard, we welcome applications from under-represented groups.
What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side?
#J-18808-Ljbffr
