One postdoctoral fellow position in particle physics is available in the group of Associate Professor Manuel Meyer at the Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of Southern Denmark (SDU) in Odense.
The position is initially for two years with the possibility for an extension by a third year. Starting date of the position will be 1 September 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The newly formed Axion Dark Matter and Astroparticle research group focuses on searches for dark matter in the form of axions and axion-like particles (ALPs) both in astrophysical observations and dedicated laboratory experiments. It is supported by a Starting Grant from the European Research Council. The group is part of the CP3-Origins Centre which includes leading scientists from mathematics, particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology at SDU.
The nature of dark matter, which makes up more than 80% of the total matter in the Universe, is one of the most pressing questions in fundamental particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. Axions and ALPs are promising dark matter candidates which could be detected in the upcoming Any Light Particle Search (ALPS II) at DESY, Hamburg, Germany. ALPS II will start taking data later this year.
The successful candidate for this postdoc position is expected to conduct research and development for cryogenic single-photon detectors, in particular transition edge sensors (TES), for dark matter searches and possibly gravitational waves. Specifically, the candidate will help with the characterization and commissioning of the TES foreseen for ALPS II. Additionally the candidate will explore both experimental and data analysis schemes for an efficient background rejection. Furthermore, the candidate should investigate novel detector designs in collaboration with international partners to explore the usage of cryogenic detectors beyond ALPS II for the direct detection of light dark matter and the search for ultra-high frequency gravitational waves.
The successful candidate is expected to spend time both at SDU and at the ALPS II site at DESY, Hamburg, Germany.
Specific Requirements:
• PhD in physics or a related discipline
• Background in experimental particle physics, quantum optics, quantum metrology or a related field
• Experience in conducting and setting up laboratory experiments
• Experience in scientific computing and data analysis
• Excellent command of the English language
• Strong initiative and involvement in an international team environment.
Additionally, outstanding candidates will have experience in one or more of the following fields: cryogenic detectors, single quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), experimental rare-event searches, or fiber-coupled optics.
Deadline: 23 July 2023.
Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk.