University of Zurich, Department of Physics
Position ID:
UZH-Department of Physics-PHD11 [#31640]
Position Title:
PhD student - experimental astroparticle physics
Position Type:
Other
Position Location:
Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
Subject Area:
Appl Deadline:
2026/03/01 23:59:59 (posted 2026/02/05, listed until 2026/06/01)
Position Description:
Position Description
The Experimental Astroparticle Physics Group of Prof. Dr. Björn Penning at the University of Zurich invites applications for a PhD position in cryogenic Dark Matter (DM) searches. The successful candidate will contribute to data analysis, hardware development, and preparations for cryogenic DM searches, with a focus on TESSERACT. The thesis research includes, but is not restricted to: R&D and prototyping of superconducting setups and sensors Simulation, reconstruction, and data analysis of cryogenic detectors Statistical interpretation of results Supporting underground operations and data‑taking We seek candidates strongly motivated to pursue a rigorous research programme in an international environment. A master's degree in physics and a solid background in particle or astroparticle physics are required. The ideal candidate has interests in instrumentation and data analysis, and is willing to travel. Enthusiasm to expand existing skills is valued. The group is deeply involved in TESSERACT, a cryogenic DM experiment targeting leading sensitivity to low‑mass DM. It employs state‑of‑the‑art superconducting quantum sensors, including transition‑edge sensors (TES), and a multi‑target approach to probe multiple DM interaction channels and improve background discrimination. The experiment will be built and operated at the Modane Underground Laboratory. The group is responsible for detector shielding and contributes to simulation and cryogenic activities. Locally, we develop superconducting nanowire single‑photon detectors (SNSPD) for quantum sensing within the QROCODILE experiment. Our infrastructure includes dilution refrigerators, micro‑fabrication access at FIRST in Zurich, in‑house machine and electronics workshops, and access to test beams at the Paul Scherrer Institute. The group is also active in the LUX‑ZEPLIN (LZ) and XLZD liquid‑xenon DM experiments. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, a research statement, and the names of at least two reference writers via the application system. The position may start at the earliest convenience. Proficiency in English is required. PhD positions are fully funded according to Swiss salary regulations and typically last 3–4 years. For applicants from outside the EU, employment is subject to approval by immigration authorities, a process that may take up to three months. Applications will be reviewed immediately and considered until the position is filled. For full consideration, the complete application should be received by 1st Mar 2025. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled. Contact: Prof. Dr. Björn Penning Email: Bjoern.Penning@uzh.ch Dr. Knut Morå Email: knut.moraa@physik.uzh.chApplication Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research statement
- Academic Transcript
- Two references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses
)
And anything else requested in the position description.
Further Info:
Department of Physics
University of Zurich
Winterthurerstrasse 190
CH-8057 Zurich
Switzerland
University of Zurich
Winterthurerstrasse 190
CH-8057 Zurich
Switzerland