The Physics Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) invites applications from scientists with a record of substantial accomplishment and creative ability for a Staff Scientist position in the direct detection Dark Matter experimental group.   The appointment may be either career-track or career, depending on seniority.   The career-track Staff Scientist position is a five-year appointment with the expectation of promotion to a career position as Staff Scientist.  Applicants should have demonstrated leadership and original achievements in research. We welcome all applicants with exceptional promise to advance the art of experimentation in direct detection of Dark Matter.

LBNL is the lead-laboratory for DOE’s LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) Dark Matter experiment. The Staff Scientist is expected to play a leading role in calibration, data collection, and the analysis of LZ data for WIMPs and other dark matter signatures. The analyses will utilize High Performance Computing at NERSC.  LBNL has a long tradition of pioneering work developing new detectors, devices, and methods for fundamental physics. The Staff Scientist is expected to assist the Dark Matter group with research and development efforts enabling extended physics reach with the LZ detector which include background reduction and enhancing LZ’s low mass Dark Matter sensitivity.  Longer term, the staff scientist will participate in the Dark Matter Group’s  research and development efforts enabling next generation direct-detection dark matter experiments e.g. Darwin-LUX, TESSERACT, or QuantiSED Quest. 

What You Will Do:

• Co-Lead LZ analysis efforts of DM group members, in particular those aligned with LBNL’s earlier project responsibilities, e.g., backgrounds and calibration, as well extraction of WIMP signals or limits.

• Lead the operations of calibration and monitoring equipment for which LBNL has primary responsibility.

• Actively organize and develop new hardware upgrades options for extending LZ detector’s physics reach.

• Play a leadership role in the international LZ collaboration.

• Take an active role in the execution and development of the Physics Division research program.

• Publish research papers in journals and conference proceedings.

• Present research findings at seminars and conferences.

• Interact with Lab-wide professional staff and develop internal and external collaborations.

• Contribute to the development of the exploitation of NERSC for DM data analysis environment.

• Actively support LBNL’s IDEA initiative and goals, and participate in outreach efforts.

What Is Required:

• Five years of experience in research including two or more years of relevant professional experience beyond the Ph.D. or equivalent in physics or related field at the time of employment.

• Experience working with experimental particle physics data.

• Extensive experience writing research papers and giving seminars and conference presentations and summarizing broader areas of physics.

• Published record of excellence in physics research.

• Demonstrated ability in experimental physics research, with a strong record of research accomplishments.

• Ability to work as a team member to accomplish Dark Matter Group research goals.

• Proficiency in data analysis (software) and hardware (instrumentation)

• Broad particle physics knowledge

• Ability to clearly and concisely organize and present information.

• Strong writing and presentation skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Supervisory experience.

• Experience developing and managing scientific software.

• Proficiency in developing and managing scientific software.

Requested application materials:

• Curriculum vitae (CV).

• Publication list.

• Statement describing research interests (5 pages maximum, not including references).

• Statement describing outreach, diversity and inclusion, and leadership activities and interests (1 page maximum).

• Arrange for at least five letters of reference to be submitted via the Academic Jobs Online URL above, with at least four external to LBNL/UC Berkeley, and at least one from outside of the USA. 

How to Apply: For inquiries please contact Kelly Rushing (krushing@lbl.gov). For full consideration all application materials must be submitted by December 6, 2021, but the position will remain open until filled.

Note:

• The career-track Staff Scientist position is a five-year full time appointment with the expectation of promotion to a career position as Staff Scientist based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. 

• The appointment may be either career-track or career, depending on seniority.   

• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Based on University of California Policy - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program, Berkeley Lab strongly recommends that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of Physical Presence at a Berkeley Lab Location, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof of Full Vaccination or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

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