Job description:

The Experimental Astroparticle Physics Group of Prof. Penning at the University of Zurich announces the opening of two PhD positions for the LZ and TESSERACT dark matter (DM) search experiments.

LZ is a two-phase LXe TPC, hermetically surrounded by an active neutron veto and taking data until 2028. The experiment is located a mile underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota, USA. LZ provides leading WIMP-type DM sensitivities and explores many novel signatures for DM and other rare event measurements. The group is centrally involved in the operation of LZ’s neutron veto, event reconstruction, calibration, and data analysis. The group further is involved in R&D for XLZD, a future DM experiment.

TESSERACT is a novel cryogenic DM experiment that will provide leading sensitivity for light DM, up to about the mass of a proton. It utilizes state-of-the-art superconducting sensors and utilizes a multi-target approach using superfluid helium, sapphire, and GaAs to maximize sensitivity to multiple DM interactions and to identify and discriminate novel backgrounds. The experiment will be built and operated at the Modane Underground Laboratory.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the analysis of data, hardware activities and preparations for future experiments. The thesis work will include some of the following topics:

Data analysis of LZ or TESSERACT
R&D and prototyping either for XLZD or TESSERACT
Monte Carlo simulations
Supporting underground operations and data-taking

We are looking for exceptional candidates who are strongly motivated to pursue a rigorous research program in an inspiring, international environment at the University of Zurich. A master's degree in physics and a solid background in particle or astroparticle physics are required. The ideal candidate will be interested in instrumentation, data analysis and willingness to travel. Enthusiasm to go beyond existing experience is highly valued.

Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, a research statement, and the contact info for at least two letters of recommendation via:

https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27490

The position can start at the earliest convenience. Proficiency in English is required. PhD positions are fully funded according to Swiss salary requirements, and typically last 3-4 years. For applicants outside the EU, the application is subject to approval from the immigration authorities. The process can last up to three months. For full consideration, completed applications including reference letters should be received by May 31, 2024. Applications received after that date will be considered until the position is filled.

Contact:

Prof. Björn Penning, email: Bjoern.Penning@uzh.ch

Brigitte Freund, email: brigitte.freund@physik.uzh.ch

PhD Positions in Direct Dark Matter Searches