Position Overview:

The SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking an experimental Research Associate to work on accelerator-based searches for Dark Forces and Dark Matter. SLAC has leading roles in the Heavy Photon Search (HPS) experiment, an accelerator-based search for a hidden sector photon being conducted at Jefferson Lab, and in the development of future searches for Dark Sectors and sub-GeV Dark Matter using compact, technologically aggressive detectors and intense particle beams.

HPS has produced physics results from data taken during engineering runs in 2015 and 2016 and is focusing on the analysis of data taken during physics operations 2019 and 2021, along with preparing the detector for operations in the 2025/2026 timeframe. The successful candidate will be expected to have significant experience in physics analysis and/or instrumentation and take on key roles in the experiment in one or both areas. These roles include improving track and event reconstruction and conducting physics analysis to explore key parameter space for dark forces, as well as helping to maintain and operate the HPS Silicon Vertex Tracker.

SLAC also plays a central role in developing the Light Dark Matter eXperiment (LDMX) to search for Dark Matter production in fixed-target electron-nuclear scattering using a missing momentum approach. Using the LCLS-II drive beam at SLAC, LDMX will search for thermal relics with sufficient sensitivity to fully explore couplings implied by the observed relic abundance across the MeV-GeV mass range. As a DOE Dark Matter New Initiative (DMNI), LDMX has been called out in the recently released P5 Report as part of the first set of experiments under the Advancing Science and Technology through Agile Experiments (ASTAE) program. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of the LDMX apparatus and physics program, with construction and first operations expected during extended appointments.

Inclusiveness and diversity are integral to SLAC’s commitment to excellence in research, engagement, and education. We therefore encourage applications from candidates identifying with groups that are historically underrepresented in physics. Candidates with strong coding skills and significant experience in the area of charged particle tracking are especially encouraged to apply, as are applicants with experience building and/or operating silicon tracking detectors and high-performance data acquisition systems.

For additional information on HPS and LDMX, see: https://epp.slac.stanford.edu/our-research/heavy-photon-search-hps and https://confluence.slac.stanford.edu/display/MME/Light+Dark+Matter+Experiment

Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

Qualifications:

As a part of the general research associate program at SLAC, this is a highly competitive position and requires a background of demonstrated excellence in research and a recent PhD in experimental particle physics. The initial appointment is for two years, with the strong possibility of extension for additional years upon satisfactory performance.

Deadline:

Processing of applications for this position will begin in March but the position will be open until filled This position is based at SLAC/Stanford with an expected start time of Summer 2024. For further information about this position, please contact Dr. Timothy Nelson (tknelson@slac.stanford.edu).

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Classification Title: Research Assoc-Experimental

Grade: G

Job Code: 0127

Duration: Fixed Term

The expected pay range for this position is $70,000 to $90,000 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.