Stanford University / SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Fundamental Physics Directorate

Position ID:Stanford University / SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory-Fundamental Physics Directorate-DMQIS [#19403]
Position Title: Research Associate-Experimental
Position Type:Postdoctoral
Position Location:Menlo Park, California 94025, United States [map] sort by distance
Subject Areas: High Energy Physics / Experimental
Quantum Information Science
Applied Physics
Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Appl Deadline:2021/11/15 11:59PMhelp popup finished (2021/09/01, finished 2022/05/21, listed until 2021/12/14)
Position Description:    

*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

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The DM/QIS group is developing new ultra-sensitive detector technology to probe currently inaccessible mass ranges for sub-MeV dark matter. SLAC invites applications for a 3-year postdoctoral position focused on detector and readout development for low bandgap quantum materials and light dark matter direct detection.

The quantum materials studied by our group have narrow bandgaps in the meV range, allowing energy deposits from light dark matter candidates (meV – GeV in mass) to excite single electron-hole pairs. The candidate will assist in the design, testing, and integration of the full detector readout chain, including development of a low-noise, cryogenic charge amplifier with the ultimate goal of single electron-hole pair detection for these novel materials. This will then be used to assess the performance of sample detectors produced by collaborators at Los Alamos National Laboratory using cryostats at both SLAC and Cal State East Bay (Hayward, CA). Once a suitable prototype has been fabricated, an initial shallow-site dark matter search will be performed. Priority will be given to candidates with experience in cryogenics, analog electronics, low-noise amplifiers, and particle detectors.

The candidate will also have the opportunity to be involved in other dark matter experiments to look for Axions (BREAD) and sub-GeV DM as part of SuperCDMS, and to engage in the broader quantum sensing R&D effort at SLAC. In particular, our group is also working at the interface of charge sensitive qubits, superconducting resonators as phonon detectors, and THz photon detection. The candidate will be expected to help develop new ideas in these areas and help grow this new effort at SLAC.

Applicants should include a cover letter, a statement of research including brief summary of accomplishments, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and names of three references for future letters of recommendation with the application.

We also welcome applicants, as a component of their research statement, to discuss their experience with or commitment to engaging in mentoring, outreach, fostering inclusive environments, or activities that diversify the field.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but must be received by November 1, 2021 to ensure full consideration. Questions should be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Noah Kurinsky (kurinsky@slac.stanford.edu).

Note: Due to COVID-19 related curtailment of on-site activities, the job duties for this position may be required to be performed from home until full site-access is restored. Given the nature of this position, SLAC is open to both telecommuting and remote work options.

For more information on this position, including specific responsibilities and expectations, please see the post on the SLAC jobs website.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
email address
 
2575 Sand Hill Rd.
Menlo Park CA 94025