"Research Fellow Experimental Particle Physics (Dark Matter Direct Detection Experiment)"

Job no: 0053493

Location: Parkville

Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 2 years

Faculty: Faculty of Science

Department/School: School of Physics

Salary: Level A: AUD $105,518 - $113,262 p.a. plus 17% superannuation 

Join the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics and seize the opportunity to work on various aspects of the Australian dark matter direct detection program. 

Understanding the nature of dark matter is one of the most pressing questions in 21st-century science. Answering this question is the goal of experiments like SABRE South. 

SABRE South is a dark matter direct-detection experiment with an NaI(Tl) target. Its goal is to search for dark matter via the annual modulation effect. The experiment will be located deep underground in the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL), situated in a cavern in the Stawell Gold Mine in Victoria, Australia. Installation of equipment began in October 2023. The role involves travel to this location 1-2 times per month. 

In this role, you'll support our innovative experimental programme and contribute to pioneering dark matter detection efforts, including the SABRE experiment and other underground direct detection experiments the Centre is involved with, as well as R&D for future direct detection experiments. 

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conduct internationally competitive research in dark matter direct detection, resulting in publications in high impact journals
• Collaborate on this research with other Melbourne research personnel
• Actively participate in research seminars and conferences to disseminate research findings in their area of expertise as opportunities arise
• Assist and actively contribute, under the guidance of senior academics, to the preparation of research proposal submissions to external funding bodies

Who We Are Looking For

You will bring a strong research background with relevant publications in dark matter particle physics and expertise in developing particle software, driven by a passion for advancing this field.

You will also have:

• Completion of a PhD in physics in either dark matter detection, high energy physics, or Astro particle physics
• Demonstrated experience in the development of software, data acquisition systems or instrumentation for particle physics experiments
• Demonstrated ability to prepare research reports and manuscripts for publication
• Demonstrated ability to develop, administer and see through to completion appropriately designed research projects with limited supervision

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

This role requires that the successful candidate must undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Your New Team – “School of Physics“

https://www.sabre-experiment.org.au/

https://physics.unimelb.edu.au/

The University of Melbourne's School of Physics is one of Australia's leading Physics Schools. It has achieved this status through the high quality of its research and teaching programs. The School offers a wide range of physics subjects to undergraduate and postgraduate students, and performs research in the following areas: Astrophysics, Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, Experimental Condensed Matter Physics, Experimental Particle Physics, Materials Science, Physical Biosciences, Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics and Theoretical Particle Physics. 

The School also plays a major role in the Australian Synchrotron research program, and in the development of the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory.

Currently some 30 academics, 51 research-only staff, more than 95 postgraduate students and 72 associates supported by 23 professional staff make up the School of Physics. The School additionally hosts 1 Thomas Baker Chair and Melbourne Laureate Professor, 2 ARC Future Fellows and 1 ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher. Skilled technical staff operate, maintain and develop complex instrumentation and equipment to support the teaching and research activities of the School. The School is located in the David Caro building on the Swanston Street boundary of the University campus. 

What We Offer You!

In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits page!

About the University of Melbourne

We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.  

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact the employee listed on the first page of the Position Description found below, with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents: 

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Anna Gradoboeva via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Position Description

Advertised: 13 Aug 2024 12:05 AM AUS Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: 24 Sep 2024 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time