The Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center in Warsaw, Poland, invites applications for a PhD scholarship funded by the Polish National Science Center. The successful applicant will work under Dr. André Cortez (acortez@camk.edu.pl) and Prof. Marcin Kuźniak supervision on the project "Understanding delayed (spurious) emission mechanisms in dual-phase TPCs for Dark Matter searches" funded by the National Science Center (NCN), through grant SONATA 19 nr UMO-2023/51/D/ST2/02297.
What is this project about?
Understanding of delayed (spurious) emissions in dual-phase Time Projection Chamber (TPC) detectors for rare-event searches has been gaining relevance over the past years as Dark Matter (DM) experiments turn their attention to low-mass candidates. The goal of this project is to characterise and mitigate the delayed (spurious) emission taking place at the gas-liquid interface in dual-phase TPCs, one of the most important backgrounds in direct low-mass DM searches. To do so, the successful applicant will explore the detectors available at Astrocent (Warsaw, Poland) a cryogenic setup and a dual-phase TPC. A novel optical amplification structure based on Micropattern Gas Detectors (MPGDs) technology will be developed incorporating wavelength-shifting materials to maximize the light collection and simplify the WLS process (for which Astrocent/CAMK PAN is a driving force). Incorporating in the design of the WLS FAT-GEMs recent contributions made in MPGD technology it is expected that this work will not only mitigate the occurrence of such events but open the possibility to scale-up DM detectors and improve sensitivity of DM experiments, namely in terms of low mass (below 10 GeV/c2 mass).
TASKS DESCRIPTION - The duties of the successful applicant will involve work on simulation of novel optical amplification structures (WLS FAT-GEMs), construction and testing of optical amplification structures (WLS FAT-GEMs). Participation in the experimental measurements (assembly of the experimental setup, testing and data taking). Data analysis: including the evaluation of pulse shape discrimination of background events (delayed emission events). Characterization of delayed (spurious) emission in dual-phase TPCs and development/ testing of techniques to mitigate their occurrence.
On the scholarship starting date, the candidate must be a student of the Polish doctoral school. We invite you to apply for the supplementary recruitment to the GeoPlanet doctoral school. (https://geoplanetschool.camk.edu.pl/category/recruitment/)
REQUIREMENTS The main requirement for this position is the possession of a valid MSc degree in physics or equivalent (e.g. astronomy, mathematics or engineering). Good knowledge of English and experience with programming, analysis of experimental data and Monte Carlo simulation will be required: good programming skills in C++ or python, optionally, familiarity with ROOT or Geant4. Knowledge of radiation detectors and their working principle will also be an advantage.
The list of required documents and link to an online application form are available here.
Enquiries about the scholarship should be addressed to: acortez@camk.edu.pl or kuzniak@camk.edu.pl.
The deadline for applications is 15 September 2024, 23:59 CET; the applications will be reviewed by the recruitment committee soon after this date and will be resolved by 25 September 2024.
The review will be carried out according to the "Regulations for awarding NCN scholarships for NCN funded research projects" (Annex to Resolution No 124/2022 of the NCN Council, dated on December 1, 2022).
The studentship is available for 36 months with a possibility of extension to 48 months in the total amount of 5.000 PLN/month to 5.340 PLN/month (pre and after mid-term evaluation), gross.
The envisaged starting date is 1 November 2024.
