Research Associate on the QUEST-DMC Dark Matter Experiment

Duration: 3-year fixed term contract.

Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL).

Hours: Full-time.

Start Date: Between April 2025 – October 2025.

Applications are invited for a Research Associate position in Experimental Particle Physics to work on novel R&D and dark matter search analysis techniques for the QUEST-DMC 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 2024, PPD has been involved with the QUEST-DMC dark matter search experiment, one of seven flagship experiments funded by the Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics (QTFP) programme. QUEST-DMC, a unique interdisciplinary collaboration of particle and ultra-low temperature physicists, has unprecedented sensitivity to dark matter candidates in the ~keV mass range, with the use of a superfluid Helium-3 target. Unlike other dark matter experiments, the QUEST-DMC detector is not currently located underground, meaning that cosmic muon backgrounds are a major limiting factor to the experimental sensitivity.

As the successful applicant you will be responsible for the delivery of an ultra-low temperature photon detection system for QUEST-DMC, including the design, construction, and commissioning of the detector. In the first instance, the system will be used for cosmic muon detection/rejection; on the longer term, there is the potential for it to be used to detect scintillation from the Helium-3 target itself.

You will also take a leading role in establishing the brand-new cryogenic laboratory currently under construction in PPD, where this work will take place.

You will build skills in a broad range of QUEST-DMC physics, simulation and reconstruction, and statistical inference topics, as they will also play a key role in dark matter search campaigns. There will also be future R&D opportunities, such as collaborating with colleagues at Lancaster University to explore potential hardware upgrades that can boost the sensitivity reach of QUEST-DMC.

In addition to the research on QUEST-DMC, you'll have the opportunity to get involved with the DarkSide-20k experiment, another liquid noble gas direct detection experiment that, analogous to QUEST-DMC, searches for dark matter particle scattering interactions. Instead of superfluid Helium-3, DarkSide-20k employs a large volume of liquid argon as its target medium. This gives the applicant the chance to collaborate on two different dark matter experiments, where they can enhance 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).
• Ideally at least 2.5 years of postdoctoral experience in particle physics experiments, or equivalent (S&I).
• Proficient in C++ and/or Python (S&I).
• Proven experience with Monte Carlo simulations and/or data analysis techniques (S&I).
• Demonstrable experience of working in a laboratory environment (S&I).
• Track record of original research (S&I).
• Ability to work independently and work on several activities in parallel (S&I).
• Experience of supervision (i.e., students), even if limited (S&I).
• High degree of self-motivation with the ability and willingness to acquire required knowledge(I).
• Fluent English, good communication skills and confident working collaboratively with large groups of people from a range of different countries (S&I).

Desirable - Experience of working on

• rare-event, low background experiments (S&I).
• liquid noble gas dark matter experiments (S&I).
• Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) sensors (S&I).
• simulation, reconstruction, and statistical inference techniques for dark matter experiments (S&I).
• operating ultra-low temperature systems (S&I).
• Willing to spend extended periods of time (~3-6 months) at Lancaster University (I).
• Willing to carry out occasional shift work at unsocial hours (I).

Employee Benefits

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

• 30 days holiday plus 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 crafting an environment that is welcoming and encouraging of all. In this regard, we welcome 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?