Research Associate on the QUEST-DMC dark matter experiment

UKRI; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 57,000

Job description

Salary: Band E £56,509 per annum
Hours: Full time
Benefits: 30 days holiday + 8 bank holidays + 2.5 privilege days + exceptional average salary pension + excellent work life balance
Contract type: 3-Year Fixed Term Contract
Location: STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Closing date for applications: Monday 24th February 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. The successful applicant 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. The successful applicant will also take a leading role in establishing the brand-new cryogenic laboratory currently under construction in PPD, where this work will take place. The successful applicant will build skills in a broad range of QUEST-DMC physics, simulation and reconstruction, and statistical inference topics, as they will also play 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, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to get 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.

The applicant must have or be about to receive a Ph.D. in Particle Physics or a similar field. Applications should consist of a CV and a covering letter explaining why the candidate is suited to this position and the names and addresses of three referees. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr. Ashlea Kemp ([e-mail]).

Candidate Specification

To apply for this role, we are looking for the following:

Essential

1. Ph.D. in Particle Physics or similar qualification (S).
2. At least 3 years of postdoctoral experience in particle physics experiments, or equivalent (S&I).
3. Proficient in C++ and/or Python (S&I).
4. Demonstratable experience with Monte Carlo simulations and/or data analysis techniques (S&I).
5. Demonstratable experience of working in a laboratory environment (S&I).
6. Track record of original research (S&I).
7. Ability to work independently (I).
8. Experience of supervision (i.e., students), even if limited (S&I).
9. High degree of self-motivation (I).
10. Ability to work on several activities in parallel (S&I).
11. Fluent English (S&I).
12. Good communication skills (I).
13. Ability and willingness to acquire required knowledge (I).

Desirable

1. Experience of working on rare-event, low background experiments (S&I).
2. Experience of working on liquid noble gas dark matter experiments (S&I).
3. Experience with operating Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) sensors (S&I).
4. Experience in simulation, reconstruction, and statistical inference techniques for dark matter experiments (S&I).
5. Experience in operating ultra-low temperature systems (S&I).
6. Willing to spend extended periods of time (~3-6 months) at Lancaster University (I).
7. Willing to carry out occasional shift work at unsocial hours (I).

About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

The STFC is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation where curiosity, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people – and more broadly to the world.

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we’re trusted to support, enable and undertake ground-breaking projects in an outstanding diversity of fields. Through world-class facilities and people, we’re driving progressive advances in science, engineering, computing and technology. Our research seeks to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, yet creates impact on a very tangible, human scale.

For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/

You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.