Postdoctoral Research Assistant - SNO+ Experiment - Postdoc at University of Oxford, Particle Physics

The Sub-department of Particle Physics at the University of Oxford is seeking a highly qualified postdoctoral research assistant to work full-time on the SNO+ experiment for a fixed-term period of 3 years. Extensions of this post are subject to availability of funding.

The SNO+ project, which will begin taking data later this year, involves the development of a large-scale liquid scintillation instrument from the previous SNO detector in order to probe a diverse range of physics. This includes a world-leading search for neutrinoless double beta decay, the observation of which would have profound implications for the Standard Model and beyond. The Oxford group has played a central role in pioneering the technique to be used in this search and is particularly involved in the further development of this method along with software for event reconstruction, data analysis and calibration systems to study detector optical properties.

The contract will be fixed-term and available from July 2016, but commencing no later than 1 November 2016. The successful candidate will be based in Oxford but will spend up to half their time at the experimental site in Sudbury, Ontario (Canada) taking a leading role in commissioning and operation of the detector and its calibration systems throughout the various operational phases. The candidate would be expected to help supervise undergraduates and graduate students and lead some of the simulation and analysis efforts. They would also take some responsibility for maintenance and operation of the Oxford calibration system for in situ measurements of optical scattering and assist in the development of new scintillator loading techniques. Thorough understanding of neutrino physics is mandatory and strong programming skills as well as a familiarity with appropriate hardware and/or chemistry would be advantageous. The successful candidate will hold a Doctorate in Particle Physics or a directly related field. While based in Oxford, teaching duties of up to three hours per week during University term may be required.

Informal enquiries about this post may be made to: steven.biller@physics.ox.ac.uk.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online.

Only applications received by 12.00 noon on 4 July 2016 can be considered. Please read the “Person Specification and Job Description” before preparing your application. You will be required to upload a curriculum vita, a description of research experience and interests and the names and addresses of three referees as part of your online application. In addition you should arrange for the three letters of reference to be sent directly to: sue.geddes@physics.ox.ac.uk by the closing date. Applications are acknowledged but not reference letters.