Research Associate on the DarkSide-20k Dark Matter Experiment

Duration: 3-year fixed term contract.

Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL).

Start Date: Between April 2025 – October 2025.

Applications are invited for a Research Associate position in Experimental Particle Physics to work on novel background mitigation techniques and dark matter search analyses on the DarkSide-20k experiment, within the Particle Physics Department (PPD) at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL). The post will initially be for three years.

PPD is one of the largest Particle Physics (PP) groups in the UK and contributes to all major PP experiments in the UK. Since 2019, RAL has been involved with the DarkSide-20k experiment, the flagship global liquid argon (LAr) direct dark matter detection experiment. The 50-tonne detector is under construction at the LNGS laboratory, in Gran Sasso, Italy, and will reach more than an order of magnitude increase in the sensitivity over current searches for dark matter particles with masses at the TeV scale. This goal is realised with low-radioactivity, low-noise silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) sensor and readout technology, custom designed for DarkSide-20k, and a comprehensive background mitigation strategy. The exciting potential of argon is established by the predecessor DarkSide-50 experiment, which currently holds world-leading sensitivity for several low-mass dark matter candidates. With a factor of 3 times higher photon detection efficiency from its SiPMs, and in a target 1000 times larger, DarkSide-20k also has potential for unprecedented sensitivity to low-mass dark matter candidates.

As the successful applicant you will take a leading role in establishing crucial background mitigation strategies for DarkSide-20k, through leveraging the novel SiPM technology and the data acquisition (DAQ) system, directly contributing to the search for both high-mass and low-mass dark matter candidates, where you will build skills in a broad range of DarkSide-20k physics, simulation and reconstruction, and statistical inference topics.

Alongside the research on DarkSide-20k, you will have the opportunity to work on the QUEST-DMC experiment, another liquid noble gas direct detection experiment that, analogous to DarkSide-20k, searches for dark matter particle scattering interactions. Instead of liquid argon, QUEST-DMC employs a small volume of superfluid Helium-3 as its target medium. This gives the applicant the chance to collaborate on two different dark matter experiments, where they can improve both their scientific and professional portfolios.

Applications should consist of a CV and a covering letter explaining why the candidate is suited to this position and the names and addresses of three referees. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr. Ashlea Kemp (ashlea.kemp@stfc.ac.uk).

Candidate Specification

To apply for this role, we are looking for the following:

[Key – (S) will be measured at shortlisting, (I) will be measured at interview, (S&I) is both].

Essential

• Ph.D. in Particle Physics or similar qualification (S).
• Relevant postgraduate experience in particle physics experiments, or equivalent (S&I).
• Familiarity with C++ and/or Python (S&I).
• Working knowledge of Monte Carlo simulations and/or data analysis techniques (S&I).
• Working knowledge of calibration and/or particle identification techniques (S&I).
• The Ability to undertake original research, work independently and have a high degree of self-motivation (I).
• Ability to work on several activities in parallel and experience working collaboratively with large groups of people from a range of different countries (S&I).
• Good communication skills and fluent in English
• Ability and willingness to acquire required knowledge (I).

Desirable - Working knowledge of:

• Rare-event, low background experiments (S&I).
• Liquid noble gas dark matter experiments (S&I).
• Data acquisition (DAQ) systems (S&I).
• Liquid argon microphysics (S&I).
• Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) sensors (S&I).
• Background modelling, systematic error propagation, and statistical inference techniques for dark matter experiments (S&I).
• Experience in supervision (i.e., students) (S&I).

Benefits

We are offering permanent positions with a whole host of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
• Flexible working hours.
• An excellent average salary pension scheme.
• Employee shopping/travel discounts.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

Visa Sponsorship

Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact Recruitment@ukri.org. 

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are invested in creating an environment that is welcoming and supportive of all. In this regard, we encourage applications from under-represented groups.

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side?

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.