The Group of Nuclear and Astroparticle Physics at CAPA and University of Zaragoza is opening a PhD student position (FPI) to work on dark matter direct detection with NaI(Tl) and Liquid Argon scintillators (experiments ANAIS+ and DarkSide)The successful candidate will take an active role in the development and characterization of sodium iodide detector prototypes for dark matter direct detection. These are novel detectors with Silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) readout at temperatures around 100 K. He/she will be particularly engaged in tasks of construction and characterization of the prototypes in collaboration with researchers from LNGS (Italy), the feasibility study of a dark matter search based on this new technology, as well as the development of a demonstrator to be installed at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory (ANAIS+). Additionally, the researcher in training will join the DarkSide collaboration in one of the leading direct detection searches worldwide. He/she will collaborate in the operation of the DArTinArDM experiment at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory and in the measurement of isotopic traces such as 39Ar and 42Ar in different argon samples with the aim of validating the production of radiopure argon for DarkSide-20k.
Reference of the project: PID2022-138357NB-C21
Requirements to apply
Either being admitted to a doctoral program at the University of Zaragoza at the time of application, or being able to be admitted before October 1, 2024.
Qualifications
– 60 ECTs of a master degree (*) in Physics or a related field, with a background in experimental or theoretical Astroparticle Physics, Nuclear Physics, or Particle Physics.
– Programming skills in C/C++/Python.
(*)required by the date the contract is formalized (expected by October 1 , 2024)
Additional information
Four-year appointment, with a salary in line with the standard for PhD students in Spain, as well as inclusive social and health benefits. Additional financial support for three-month research stays at other research centers (in Spain or abroad). The position is based in Zaragoza but frequent travel to the Underground Canfranc Laboratory (Canfranc, Huesca) is foreseen.
How to apply
Deadline: June 10, 2024.
Advanced call: https://sede.unizar.es/?app=touz&opcion=mostrar&id=60478 (pending to be published at BOA)
Project title:
“ANAIS-112 y ANAIS+: detectores avanzados de ioduro de sodio para la búsqueda de materia oscura e I+D en otras técnicas basadas en centelleo”. (ANAIS-112 and ANAIS+: Advanced sodium iodide detectors for dark matter search and R&D in other scintillation-based techniques)
In order to receive all necessary information and support we encourage the suitable candidates to contact and submit their CV in advance to:
Maria Luisa Sara: mlsarsa@unizar.es
Maria Martinez: mariam@unizar.es
