Stanford University / SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Fundamental Physics Directorate

Position ID:

Stanford University / SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory-Fundamental Physics Directorate-RANEXO [#29084]

Position Title:

Research Associate in Neutrino Physics

Position Type:

Postdoctoral

Position Location:

Menlo Park, California 94025, United States of America

Subject Area:

High Energy Physics / Neutrino physics and Astrophysics

Appl Deadline:

2025/03/01 11:59PM help popup

(posted 2024/10/29, listed until 2025/11/15)

Position Description:

SLAC Research Associate Positions in Neutrino Physics (nEXO)

The SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking applicants for an experimental Research Associate position to work in the area of searches for Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay (0νββ) of the ¹³⁶Xe isotope with a new multi-ton scale project, “nEXO”.

SLAC was a leading collaborator on the 100 kg-scale EXO-200 experiment (that completed data taking in 2018) using a liquid xenon (LXe) Time Projection Chambers (TPC), an effort that has produced the first observation in xenon and the most accurate measurement of any two-neutrino double-beta decay half life, and some of the most sensitive limits on the as-yet-unseen neutrinoless process. SLAC is a member of the more ambitious experimental collaboration, nEXO, which will deploy a TPC with a capacity of 5 tons of LXe enriched in the 136Xe isotope with 100 times greater sensitivity to the 0νββ half life.

We have leveraged SLAC experience from EXO-200 in all aspects of the nEXO project R&D : TPC design, xenon systems design, cryogenic systems design, electronics, and DAQ - for which SLAC had leading responsibility - as well as online and offline software and data analysis, and will continue to do so, with the goal of completely exploring the phase space allowed by the “inverse neutrino mass hierarchy”. This program has been elevated to “Project” level by DOE Nuclear Physics. We anticipate a DOE CD-1 review in 2025, which marks the completion of the project definition phase and the conceptual design.

The SLAC group is seeking a postdoctoral RA to take a leading role in the design of the data acquisition system (DAQ) for which SLAC has (“L2”) leadership. Responsibilities would include developing data acquisition and controls software to support new instrumentation and participating in the design and development of real-time and offline data processing algorithms, and leading the development of real-time and offline visualization tools. In addition, the new hire would serve as an interface between engineers and scientist in all aspects of DAQ development.

To be successful in this role the following experience is desirable, as is the demonstrated ability to learn on the job to fill any gaps:

Experience with a data acquisition framework (for example, MIDAS).
Demonstrated programming skills with C and/or C++ and Python and experience with Linux/Unix and shell scripting.
Familiarity with web languages such as JavaScript
Proficiency with version control and continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD)
Current knowledge of latest software and design standards.
Working knowledge of computer networks and experience configuring and troubleshooting network devices.

The balance of the activity for this RA position would involve participation in one or more of the following areas of SLAC’s engagement in the project:

TPC charge detection instrumentation and electronics. An ASIC for charge detection has been designed at SLAC, as well as a charge detection “tile” to be tested together on the Stanford campus. Cryogenic testing and quality control setups are available and under design. In addition, a small LXe test cell is available at SLAC that has been used for electronics thermal testing, with a significantly larger cell planned for tile and electronics tests.
Control/mitigation of backgrounds due to radon. A xenon distillation system prototype to remove radon is under construction at SLAC. A radon emanation qualification cleanroom setup is in operation with additional setups planned.
TPC HV delivery systems and field cage conceptual designs were created at SLAC, have now progressed to the design stage at PNNL, with more R&D and testing opportunities at SLAC.
Simulation software is an area with opportunities for a leadership contribution from SLAC.

In addition there are other areas of SLAC expertise:

The SLAC Xenon Purity Monitor system (XPM) is a resource for the entire collaboration for certifying materials wetted by LXe, and for testing purification procedures and for general purifier R&D.
TPC support systems including refrigeration/HFE handling, xenon handling, control systems is a SLAC strength and the group will be expected to contribute significantly to this effort.

The initial term of this position is for two years, with extensions up to five years subject to review. For further information about this position, please contact Dr. P.C. Rowson (rowson@slac.stanford.edu).

Qualifications

This is a highly competitive position as part of the general research associate program at SLAC, requiring a background of demonstrated excellence in research and a PhD in experimental physics, preferably particle or nuclear physics. The successful candidate should have experience both in hardware and data analysis, and demonstrated good communication skills for working with a team.

Application Materials Required:

Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:

Cover letter
Curriculum Vitae
Research statement
Publication list
Three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site )

And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:

650-926-2635

2575 Sand Hill Road
Menlo Park, CA 94025