PhD position: Optical sensors for IceCube-Gen2 - Student at Institut für Physik, Universität Mainz

1 PhD position

to work on IceCube-Gen2, the next generation upgrade of the IceCube neutrino telescope (http://icecube.wisc.edu).

In neutrino telescopes, Cherenkov light emitted by charged particles from a neutrino interaction is detected in a transparent medium. Using a volume of 1km3 of glacial ice, the IceCube detector at the geographic South Pole has discovered a flux of high energy extra-terrestrial neutrinos. Following this success, upgrades are planned for the IceCube detector to extend its physics potential both at the highest energy where neutrinos can help establishing the sources of cosmic rays as well as at lower energies, where the high statistics of atmospheric neutrinos allows precision measurements of the neutrino oscillation parameters.

In both cases, the science potential is significantly driven by the number of photons that can be detected from the interaction in the sparse sensor grid. In this context, a new sensor type based on wavelength-shifting and light-guiding technology is currently developed in Mainz. Next to an inquisitive nature and creativity, hardware experience, in particular in the development of (optical) sensors will increase the chance of success.

Please send your application by May, 15th 2018, including

• a letter of motivation (max. 1 page)
  
• your curriculum vitae
  
• the name and email address of one referee (no letter required)
  
• a copy of your relevant certificates and grades

to the address given below (electronic documents preferred). The candidate must hold a Master degree in physics or astrophysics with at least the German degree "good" (or equivalent grade) at the starting date. Please do not hesitate to contact Sebastian Böser (sboeser@uni-mainz.de, Tel: +49 6131-39 23865) in case of any questions.