Stanford University / SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Fundamental Physics Directorate

Position ID:

Stanford University / SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory-Fundamental Physics Directorate-DMRA [#30631]

Position Title:

Research Associate - Liquid Noble Dark Matter Detection

Position Location:

Menlo Park, California 94025, United States of America

Subject Areas:

Astrophysics / Dark Matter
Physics / Experimental Particle Physics

Appl Deadline:

2025/11/03 11:59PM help popup

(posted 2025/09/22)

Position Description:

The Fundamental Physics Directorate (FPD) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to work on experimental direct detection of dark matter. The successful candidate will work within the SLAC liquid noble dark matter group (consisting of approximately 15 people), primarily on developing instrumentation for next-generation xenon-based dark matter experiments, such as XLZD. There may also be opportunities to analyze data from the LUX-ZEPLIN experiment.

Specific responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Conduct R&D for readout of light signals from photomultiplier tubes in cryogenic environments
Work with engineering staff to debug and develop front-end electronics
Lead construction of a xenon test platform for R&D studies
Use experimental data to study instrumental backgrounds in liquid xenon detectors
Attend weekly local meetings, as well as collaboration meetings and conferences to communicate results

Note: This is a two-year fixed term position with the possibility of extension. Research Associates are engaged with the design, support, operation and/or scientific development of the major programs of the laboratory, under the guidance of their supervisor. They are expected to work with a significant degree of independence on one or more specific tasks in support of the research program, frequently interacting with the laboratory’s scientific community.

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

A Ph.D. in physics or a related discipline prior to the start of the appointment
Background in particle physics or astrophysics research
Experience in data analysis
Strong communication skills
Ability to work in a team of staff, postdocs, students, engineers

Preferred, but not necessary, qualifications:

Experience with hardware, particularly detector readout
Experience with liquid noble experiments
Experience with vacuum systems

Applicants must submit the following materials:

Curriculum vitae including a publication list
Research statement (< 3 pages)
Three letters of recommendation

Applicants are also encouraged to submit applications for the KIPAC postdoctoral fellowships (https://kipac.stanford.edu/join-or-visit-us/postdoctoral-opportunities-kipac) in parallel.

Complete applications submitted by November 3, 2025 will be given full consideration. For more details, please contact Dr. Ann Wang (awang5@slac.stanford.edu).

SLAC employee competencies:

Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

Physical requirements and Working conditions:

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.
Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

Work standards:

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford/SLAC colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1: General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu

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Classification Title: Research Associate-Experimental

Grade: G Job code: 0127

Duration: Fixed Term

The expected pay range for this position is $70,000 to $100,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Application Materials Required:

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

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

And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:

2575 Sand Hill Rd.
Menlo Park CA 94025