"Rsch Pro 6-High Energy Phys (Liu)"

Job Details

About the Job

Job Description:

Applications are invited for a research associate position in experimental dark matter searches at the University of Minnesota to work on the SuperCDMS experiment. SuperCDMS is a next-generation direct detection dark matter experiment, currently under construction, to search for low mass WIMPs through their interactions in cryogenic germanium and silicon detectors. The experiment expects to start commissioning in 2025. The SuperCDMS group at UMN is involved in multiple aspects of the experiment, such as data analysis, software development, data acquisition system, and detector operation. Additionally, the UMN group has a test facility setup to develop the next generation detector concepts and calibration schemes.

The successful applicant is expected to take a leading role in the development of the event reconstruction algorithms for the new generation detectors, take part in detector performance and characterization efforts at SNOLAB, and to contribute to analysis of the dark matter search data. She or he will also interact closely with graduate students and other group members. The position is primarily based in Minneapolis, but the candidate may be expected to travel to Sudbury and to other SuperCDMS test facilities in the US.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in high energy physics or a closely related field, and to have demonstrated experience building, analyzing data from, and operating particle, nuclear, or astroparticle physics experiments. Preference will be given to those who have experience leading analysis efforts in dark matter direct search experiments, and/or significant experience operating cryogenic detectors.

Job Requirements:

• 30% Develop novel event reconstruction algorithms for next generation large cryogenic detectors. Leverage Machine Learning techniques to extract meaning physics quantities from complex detector data. Pushing the mass reach for Dark Matter searches by improving detector resolution.
• 30% Lead topical analysis using the first science run data from SuperCDMS SNOLAB. Conduct data cleaning and cut efficiency studies. Develop blinding schemes for different dark matter candidates.
• 15% Contribute to the experiment commissioning, which may involve operating the cryogenic detectors, conducting detector performance tuning and evaluation, and studying the calibration schemes.
• 10% Report preparations: Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports that describe the methods and the results obtained.
• 5% Communicating Research Results Maintaining familiarity with cutting-edge results and methods Attending collaboration meetings, seminars and conferences Communicating research to the broader community Writing papers and submitting them for publication in scientific journals Presenting results at conferences (both domestic and international) Other duties of a similar scope as assigned
• 10% Supervise local graduate students and undergrads for research

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Physics in experimental high energy physics or related fields with extensive experience in the data analysis and the software systems used in high energy physics and publication records

Familiarity with Unix/Linux operating systems, C++ and Python programming languages.

Experience in building, analyzing data from, and operating particle, nuclear, or astroparticle physics experiments.

Experience in applying Machine Learning techniques to high energy physics problems.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience leading analysis efforts in dark matter direct detection searches.

Experience with cryogenic detector testing and operation.

About the Department

School of Physics and Astronomy: https://cse.umn.edu/physics

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $65,000 to $68,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Please provide the following application documents:

• Cover letter why you are interested and qualified for the position
• Curriculum Vitae including recent publications
• Statement of research experience and interest
• Reference list with contact information