Position Overview:

The Fundamental Physics Directorate at SLAC is seeking applicants for a postdoctoral Research Associate to work on the nEXO experiment, a next-generation search for neutrinoless double beta decay using a liquid xenon (LXe) time projection chamber (TPC). nEXO is designed to reach a sensitivity two orders of magnitude beyond current experimental limits, with the goal of discovering lepton number violation and the Majorana vs. Dirac nature of the neutrino. nEXO is funded as a Project through the DOE Office of Nuclear Physics; we are currently preparing for CD-1. SLAC has a diverse team of physicists and engineers leading efforts in many aspects of the experiment, including:

• Development of system-on-chip ASICs for in-LXe digitization of charge signals

• Development of ultra-low-background, segmented charge sensing tiles

• Low-background radon emanation screening and radon distillation R&D

• Purity screening of materials for use in liquid xenon detectors

• Simulations and software development

• Exploring physics opportunities with nEXO beyond neutrinoless double beta decay (astrophysical neutrinos, dark matter searches, etc.)

This position seeks a candidate who can play a leading role in any of the above areas, with a particular need in the development program for the charge sensing hardware, including testing and implementation of the ASIC-enabled, low-background sensor tiles. We collaborate closely with the Gratta group at Stanford University for in-liquid-xenon testing of hardware. The candidate may also have opportunities in other areas, such as detector development for direct dark matter searches. The initial term of this position is two years, with the possibility of extension up to five years upon review.

For further information about this position, please contact Dr. Brian Lenardo (blenardo@slac.stanford.edu).

Qualifications:

This position requires a PhD in experimental particle physics or a related field at the time of appointment. The successful candidate should have a demonstrated record of excellence in research, and experience with one or more of the following:

• Data acquisition systems and/or electronics for nuclear/particle physics

• Radiation detector development (experience with cryogenic noble liquids a plus, but not a requirement)

• Vacuum systems

• Detector simulation and data analysis

• Collaborative experimental research, including interfacing with designers, engineers, and technicians