Research Associate in HE Physics on XLZD Dark Matter Experiment

About us

UCL is one of the world's top universities based in the heart of London. It is a modern, outward-looking institution. UCL's staff and former students have included 29 Nobel prizewinners. It is a truly international community: more than one-third of our student body – more than 35,000 strong – come from 150 countries and nearly one-third of staff are from outside the UK.

The UCL HEP group consists of around 80 staff and students and provides an exciting and supportive research environment with involvement in direct dark matter searches, particle astrophysics, particle phenomenology, neutrino experiments, accelerator R&D and data-intensive science via our Centre for Doctoral Training.

About the role

The UCL High Energy Physics Group has an immediate opening for an outstanding PhD particle or astroparticle physicist to work on pre-construction efforts for XLZD, the world’s most sensitive dark matter and rare physics observatory. The position will be held at UCL for 18 months with a possible further 18 months at King's College London subject to satisfactory completion of the initial period.

Candidates will need to upload a CV (including a list of publications), a statement of research interests and plans (3 pages maximum), and the contact information for three references. A cover letter can be included using the “Statement in Support of your Application” section of the online form. Applicants should arrange for three letters of reference to be emailed to Dr Cottle by the application deadline.

About you

The successful applicant will have a PhD in particle or astroparticle physics. Candidates should have excellent written and verbal communication, strong analytical skills and an ability to organise, coordinate and document progress and results. Knowledge and practical experience of rare-event search experiments is desirable, particularly hardware skills associated with radioactivity measurements and working within a cleanroom environment. They should be willing to work on-site at the Boulby Underground Laboratory for periods of their employment with a diverse group of people, assuming responsibility for delivery of their own and group milestones.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be a Research Assistant Grade 6B (salary £37,332 - £39,980 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

What we offer

For information about what we offer and our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please view the job on UCL's job site.

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