Postdoc in International Research Agenda AstroCeNT: Particle Astrophysics Science and Technology Centre, “SiPM Systems for Astroparticle Physics and Medical Physics” group

Application deadline: 21 May 2022

Please apply only via email – All material should be sent to recruitment@astrocent.pl

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in the field of experimental particle astrophysics at AstroCeNT, an international Center of Excellence in Particle Astrophysics in Warsaw, Poland (please see https://astrocent.camk.edu.pl/ for more information).

Successful applicant will be expected to join the “SiPM Systems for Astroparticle Physics and Medical Physics” group led by Prof. Marcin Kuźniak.

The primary responsibility will be taking the lead on R&D on novel light collection and SiPM-based detection systems for future dark matter (DarkSide-20k, Argo) and neutrino detectors. The successful candidate will actively participate in the construction of the DarkSide-20k detector and in the DEAP-3600 data analysis, as well as in simulation and analysis of data from tests and prototype experiments. In particular, we look for applicants with experience in programming in Geant4, ROOT and Python. Experience with data acquisition and hardware development (including cryogenic and vacuum techniques, electronics) will also be considered an asset.

The position will be based at AstroCeNT in Warsaw, Poland, and may involve occasional travel to and longer stays at LNGS underground laboratory in Italy, CERN and SNOLAB.

We are seeking applicants that received their Ph.D. in experimental particle or nuclear physics or related fields within the past 5 years. Candidates approaching their Ph.D. defense are also invited to apply (Ph.D. title will be required to start the employment).

The position is available immediately.

Astrocent (https://astrocent.camk.edu.pl) — Particle Astrophysics Science and Technology Centre — was established on 1 July 2018 following an award of nearly 38 million PLN (nearly 9M Euro, over 10M USD) within the framework of the International Research Agendas Programme of the Foundation for Polish Science, see:

https://www.fnp.org.pl/en/projekt-astrocent-zdobyl-finansowanie-w-programie-mab.

At AstroCeNT, research is focused primarily on the detection of gravitational waves and dark matter, and on development of advanced instrumentation for large-scale physics and astrophysics experiments. It has developed close collaborative links with several institutions in Europe and outside, in particular with our strategic partners APC (Astroparticle and Cosmology Laboratory) in Paris and the McDonald Institute in Canada. More collaborations are being established.

Currently AstroCeNT comprises six international research groups of physicists and engineers:

SiPM Systems for Astroparticle Physics and Medical Physics (leader: Prof. Marcin Kuźniak);
Seismic Sensors (leader: Professor Tomasz Bulik);
Electronics and Data Acquisition and Processing (leader: Dr Mariusz Suchenek);
Ultrapure SiPMs and Associated Readout Electronics (leader: Dr Masayuki Wada);
Scientific Computing & Information Technology (leader: Prof. Piotr Gawron);
Particle Astrophysics (leader: Prof. Leszek Roszkowski).

Expansion to other activities in the field will be considered in the future.

AstroCeNT is formally a new administrative division of Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences (http://www.camk.edu.pl) – an internationally leading institute in astronomy and astrophysics. The Centre is led by Professor Leszek Roszkowski.

AstroCeNT is conveniently located in the city centre, with easy access from rail stations and airports. The center occupies a suite of spacious and modern labs and offices on the top floor of a modern building (https://www.cziitt.pw.edu.pl/?lang=en) of Warsaw University of Technology (https://www.pw.edu.pl/engpw) in order to foster communication and cooperation with local engineers and physicists, and to enhance scientific and academic environment. The site is also well connected with Physics Department of the University of Warsaw and the main site of the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Centre and other research institutes in Warsaw.

AstroCeNT strongly values the diversity of candidates and is very committed to the equality of opportunity.

Key responsibilities include:

Co-supervision of students.
Presenting the results to the group and collaborators on a regular basis.
Carrying out research in the laboratory.
Regular national and international travel connected with the project activities.

Profile of candidates:

Ability to work and collaborate in research teams in a competitive environment.
Strong track record of past research.
Potential to attract grant funding.

Remuneration: monthly gross salary of 14,000.00 PLN (expected net salary: about 9,400.00 PLN)

Job type: Employment contract

Position starts 17.06.2022.

Required documents:

1. curriculum vitae,

2. statement of research interests,

3. publication list,

4. photocopy of PhD diploma (if already issued),

5. at least two, preferably three, letters of reference,

6. copy of PhD thesis (if not confidential)

7. scan of signed GDPD form (available from https://www.camk.edu.pl/en/about/ochrona-danych-osobowych/#rodocent).

All the material should be sent by email to: recruitment@astrocent.pl

More information can be obtained from Prof. Marcin Kuźniak (mkuzniak@camk.edu.pl)

We offer:

Stimulating, international, English speaking research environment in a new center of excellence;
Possibility to develop frontline research in gravitational wave research, in collaboration with the other teams of Astrocent and with our strategic partner APC;
Funding for research, travel and basic equipment.
Scientific, organizational and technical support, including standard research facilities.