The Neutrino Physics and Particle Astrophysics Group at Boston University is seeking a postdoctoral associate in experimental particle physics. The successful candidate will work with the Super-Kamiokande collaboration and/or the T2K collaboration. Our physics effort with Super-Kamiokande concentrates on the search for proton decay, the study of neutrino oscillation using atmospheric neutrinos, and indirect detection of dark matter. Our physics interest with T2K is to determine the neutrino mixing parameters related to muon neutrino disappearance and electron neutrino appearance, including mass hierarchy and CP-violation. 

We are currently exploiting the SK-Gd phase of the two experiments. In 2020 we began adding gadolinium to the Super-K detector to increase the capability to detect neutrons coincident with neutrino interactions. This opens a range of performance improvements. Neutron tagging enhances the measurement of supernova neutrinos; helps differentiate neutrinos from antineutrinos in both the natural atmospheric flux as well as the T2K beam; and reduces the background to proton decay from atmospheric neutrino interactions.

In addition, the candidate may elect development projects on DUNE and ProtoDUNE. These could involve algorithm development, sensitivity studies, or measurements with ProtoDUNE data. We are also involved in EMPHATIC, a hadroproduction experiment seeking to reduce systematic uncertainties for T2K and atmospheric neutrino production. Hardware projects and data analysis are available to round out your postdoctoral training. Expertise in electronic instrumentation of detectors will be advantageous, particularly experience with FPGA programming. The position will be based in Boston, but significant travel should be anticipated. The candidate should have a recent Ph.D. in experimental particle physics. 

For inquiries about the position, please contact Prof. Ed Kearns (kearns@bu.edu). The review of applications is ongoing as of 1/2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Complete applications including a CV and three letters of recommendation should be submitted via https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/25127.

Applications from women and underrepresented minorities are particularly encouraged. The University is committed to building a culturally, racially and ethnically diverse academic community dedicated to the highest level of excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship.

BU is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.