Research Associate in Experimental Particle Physics

The experimental particle physics group at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on the CMS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and the Light Dark Matter Experiment (LDMX). The researcher will have the opportunity to lead the analysis of LHC Run 3 data and search for dark matter with fixed-target experiment data. The successful candidate is expected to significantly contribute to the High Granularity Calorimeter (HGCal) upgrade; the timescale of this position presents a unique opportunity to participate in the integration and commissioning of a first-time calorimeter detector with more than 6 million channels. Finally, there are opportunities to engage in the construction and early data-taking of the potential accelerator experiments for dark sector searches: DarkQuest and LDMX.

The UVA group has leading roles in both the intensity and energy frontiers. The intensity frontier contributes to the NOVA, Mu2e, SpinQuest and LDMX experiments, the latter of which leverages LHC technology to decisively probe thermal dark matter in the MeV-GeV regime. A robust program with LHC data is ongoing and focuses on searches for new physics at low mass, for exotic long-lived particles, and for Higgs and double-Higgs production. Additionally, the group is involved in several detector efforts, including the construction of the CRV detector for the Mu2e experiment, participation in the Phase-2 CMS upgrades (Ecal, Barrel Timing Layer, and HGCal), and detector R&D on scintillator production, future calorimetry, and microelectronics.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a PhD in physics or related field by the start date, excellent data analysis skills, and a background of demonstrated excellence in research. Prior experience with detector calibration, commissioning and/or firmware and software design is desired but not required.

Application Procedures: Interested candidates should apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs/ and submit a cover letter, a CV, a 2-page statement of research interests, and contact information for three references (name, email address, telephone number, and address). In the cover letter, candidates should address past or future efforts to encourage diversity, inclusion and belonging. Please note that several documents may be uploaded to the box.

Application Deadlines: Review of applications will begin on March 15, 2024, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This is a one-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed for an additional two, one-year increments, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance and has a target start date of mid-August 2024 or later.

For further information, please contact Cristina Mantilla-Suarez at [email protected] .

For questions regarding the application process, contact Rich Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor at [email protected] .

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.