Entry content

Application deadline: 30 November 2019

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

Link to the job offer on Euraxess

Applications are invited for two postdoctoral positions in experimental astroparticle physics at Astrocent, a new international Center of Excellence in Particle Astrophysics in Warsaw, Poland (see below for more information).

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

The primary responsibility of a researcher in the first position 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, and for applications in medical physics. The successful candidate will actively participate in the construction of the DarkSide-20k detector and in the DEAP-3600 upgrade, as well as in analysis of data from tests and prototype experiments. In particular, we look for applicants with experience in data acquisition, and hardware development (including cryogenic and vacuum techniques). Experience with electronics will also be considered an asset.

The primary responsibility of a researcher in the second position will be analysis of physics data from the ongoing experiments within the Global Argon Dark Matter Collaboration (including DEAP-3600), as well as feasibility and design optimization studies and software development for future detectors (DarkSide-20k, Argo). In particular, we look for applicants with existing experience in data analysis, software development or simulation. Familiarity with Geant4 simulation package, will also be considered an asset. Experience with hardware is desirable, but not absolutely essential.

We are seeking applicants that received their Ph.D. in experimental particle or nuclear physics or related fields within the past 5 years.

The positions will be based at Astrocent in Warsaw, Poland, and may involve occasional travel to LNGS underground laboratory in Italy, SNOLAB (Canada) or CERN. The positions are available immediately. The initial term is for two years with an option of renewal, if mutually agreed.

Complete applications received before November 30, 2019, will receive full consideration; however, applications received after that date will be also considered until the positions are filled.

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 Foundation of Polish Science, see:

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

At Astrocent, research is focused primarily on the areas of the detection of gravitational waves and dark matter using advanced technological instruments, whose development will be among the prime areas of activity of the Center. However, it is planned to engage in other areas of theoretical and experimental research in particle astrophysics, beyond gravitational waves and dark matter.

Astrocent 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:

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

Expansion to other activities in the field will be considered in the future. In about two years the Center is expected to reach the size of about 30 researchers, including group leaders, their teams, PhD students and visitors working in an international, English-speaking environment. The Center is led by Professor Leszek Roszkowski.

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.

Astrocent is conveniently located in the city center, 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 Warsaw University and the main site of the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center and other research institutes in Warsaw.

Key responsibilities include:

1. To be open to co-operation with the other research teams at Astrocent.
2.  To be prepared to apply for grants.

Profile of candidates:

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

Remuneration: Gross monthly salary of 12 500 PLN, including social and health insurance and tax.

Job type: Employment contract

Position starts as soon as possible.

Required documents:

1. curriculum vitae,

2. statement of research interests,

3. publication list,

4. photocopy of PhD diploma,

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

6. 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: office@astrocent.pl.

More information can be obtained from Dr Marcin Kuźniak (mkuzniak@camk.edu.pl) or Prof. Leszek Roszkowski (leszek.roszkowski@astrocent.pl).

We offer:

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