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Research Associate - Low Energy Nuclear/Neutrino Physics

Job ID

6469

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Temporary

SLAC Job Postings

The Fundamental Physics Directorate at SLAC is seeking applicants for a postdoctoral Research Associate to work in experimental neutrino physics using radioactive decays. Our group is engaged in two experimental programs: 1) next-generation searches for neutrinoless double beta decay (0¿¿ßß) in 136 Xe using liquid xenon (LXe) time projection chambers (TPCs), and 2) precision measurements of radioactive decays using ultra-low-threshold superconducting sensors. For 1), we are members of the nEXO and XLZD experimental collaborations and are pursuing a next-generation experiment capable of measuring 0¿¿ßß at half-lives of 10 28 years and beyond in the isotope 136 Xe. We collaborate closely with the XLZD dark matter team at SLAC as well as the wider LXe double beta decay community towards the realization of such an experiment. For 2), we are members of the BeEST collaboration and work closely with the DMQIS group at SLAC to study systematics and develop future sensor technologies for experiments searching for sterile neutrinos and other BSM physics via precision measurements of radioactive decay.

The successful candidate will play a leading role in **one or more** of the following activities:

+ Hardware development and data analysis from liquid xenon test platforms studying ionization readout for future single- and dual-phase detectors

+ Simulations and sensitivity projections for 0¿¿ßß with the XLZD experiment

+ Beyond-the-Standard-Model searches using radioisotopes implanted in superconducting cryogenic sensors

+ Development of ASIC electronics for sensor readout in cryogenic environments

+ Nuclear structure measurements of 0¿¿ßß-relevant isotopes

The initial term of this position is two years, with the possibility of extension up to five years upon annual review. The position is fully on-site at SLAC.

For further information about this position, please contact Dr. Brian Lenardo ([email protected]).

Qualifications

This position requires a PhD in experimental nuclear physics, particle physics, or a related field at the time of appointment. The successful candidate should have a demonstrated record of excellence in research, and experience with one or more of the following:

+ Data acquisition systems and/or electronics for nuclear/particle physics

+ Radiation detector development (experience with either noble liquid detectors or superconducting sensors a plus)

+ Vacuum / noble liquid systems

+ Dilution refrigerators and superconducting detectors

+ Detector simulation using Geant4 and/or G4CMP

+ Statistical data analysis

+ Collaborative experimental research, including interfacing with designers, engineers, and technicians

Application

To apply, applicants should submit the following via AcademicJobsOnline:

+ Cover letter

+ CV

+ Three reference letters

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. For guaranteed consideration, applications should be submitted by September 1, 2025.

SLAC employee competencies:

+ **Effective Decisions** : Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.

+ **Self-Development** : Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.

+ **Dependability:** Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.

+ **Initiative** : Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.

+ **Adaptability** : Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.

+ **Communication** : Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.

+ **Relationships** : Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

**Physical requirements and Working conditions** :

+ Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

**Work standards** :

+ Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford/SLAC colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

+ Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1¿General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf

+ Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu

___________________________________

+ Classification Title: Research Associate - Experimental

+ Job code: 0127

+ Grade: G

+ Employment Duration: Fixed Term (24 months)

_The expected pay range for this position is $70,000 to $100,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs_ .

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. SLAC is an E-Verify employer.