Postdoctoral research position in Astroparticle Physics (Sonata-19)

Offer description

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position at the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences (NCAC PAS). The successful applicant will work with
Dr. André Cortez on the project “Understanding delayed (spurious) emission mechanisms in dual-phase TPCs for Dark Matter searches” funded by the Polish National Science Center (NCN), through grant SONATA-19 nr 2023/51/D/ST2/02297.

The position will be based in Warsaw, Poland, and may involve occasional travel to and longer stays at IGFAE (Spain).

Skills/Qualifications

We look for applicants able to work in a team, with experience in programming in Geant4, ROOT and Python. Experience with data acquisition/analysis and hardware development (including cryogenic and vacuum techniques, and electronics) will also be considered an asset.

We are seeking applicants who received their Ph.D. in astrophysics, experimental particle or nuclear physics or related fields within the past 7 years (the period may be extended in accordance with the guidelines provided in the competition documentation on the website:
https://www.ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/pliki/uchwaly-rady/2023/uchwala50_2023-zal1_ang.pdf#page=58, page 61). Candidates approaching their Ph.D. defense are also invited to apply (Ph.D. title will be required to start the employment).

The primary responsibility of a researcher for this position will be the development of technology for dual-phase TPCs (amplification and readout), with the ultimate goal of improving the performance  of argon-based detectors. The research will include the design and characterization of novel optical amplification structures for future dark matter detectors, as well as of a new dual-phase TPC at AstroCeNT, that will be used to assess the impact of the gas-liquid interface in the performance of such detectors and the minimisation of delayed (spurious) events. The successful candidate will actively participate in the construction of new prototype detectors which will pave the way for future detectors (DUNE, DarkSide-LM).

A high level of proficiency in English is required.

Scope of work includes:

• development and optimisation of the Monte Carlo simulation of the dual-phase TPC;
• update of the simulation to include surface effects;
• preparatory work and tests of hardware components/sensors to be installed in the dual-phase TPC;
• participation in the data measurement campaigns;
• perform data analysis, including cross-checks and results validation;
• presenting scientific results at conferences;
• preparing technical notes and publications;
• co-supervision of PhD students;
• being prepared to apply for grants.

Selection process:

Documents (in pdf format) should be submitted by e-mail, with a subject “Sonata-19 Postdoc position in Astroparticle Physics”, to recruitment@camk.edu.pl and they must include:

• a copy of the PhD diploma;
• CV, including the list of publications;
• research statement;
• a scan of the signed NCN GDPR document available here;
• applicants should arrange for two recommendation letters to be sent directly to recruitment@camk.edu.pl.

The selection criteria include:

1. the candidate’s research achievements including publications in prestigious academic press/journals (50% of the final score);
2. research-related achievements, scholarships, awards and research experience gained in Poland or abroad, research workshops and training courses, participation in research projects (20% of the final score);
3. the candidate’s competence to carry out specific tasks in the research project (30% of the final score).

Application deadline: 3 August 2025. The review of the applications will begin soon after this date and short-listed candidates will be invited for interviews.

Additional information

For additional information, please contact André Cortez (e-mail: acortez@camk.edu.pl).

Fulfilling the obligation arising from Article 24(6) of the Act of June 14, 2024, on the Protection of Whistleblowers (Journal of Laws, item 928), NCAC PAS wish to inform about the possibility of reporting a violation and provides the communication channels described in the internal reporting procedure, available at the following address: https://www.camk.edu.pl/en/about/whistleblowers/.