Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate at Columbia Neutrino and Rare Events Group

Nevis Labs, Columbia U.

Experiments: MicroBooNE, SBND, SBN, DUNE

Deadline: Dec. 31, 2024, or until position is filled (application review begins Jan. 1, 2025, but will be accepting applications through Jan. 31, 2025).

Job Description:

The Neutrino and Rare Events Group at Columbia University is looking for excellent candidates for an open Postdoctoral Research Associate position. The main research effort of the group focuses on searches for new physics with current and future neutrino experiments that make use of liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs)-a high-resolution imaging technology for particle detection-and includes physics analysis and hardware R&D particularly in the area of readout electronics, pixelated readout, and data acquisition systems.

The position offers opportunities of involvement in a number of research activities pursued by the group, including (1) measurements of rare neutrino interaction processes (e.g. single photon production in neutral current scattering), and (2) searches for new physics associated with the neutrino sector, which can manifest at short distance from neutrino production (e.g. light sterile neutrinos, dark neutrino and dark sector e+e- production, heavy neutrino radiative decay, etc.). These searches are possible both with existing data from the MicroBooNE experiment, and can be probed with much higher sensitivity using data to be collected by the ongoing Short Baseline Neutrino (SBN) experimental program at Fermilab. Research opportunities also include (3) off-beam rare event searches that can be carried out with the Short-Baseline Near Detector (SBND) at SBN or with the future Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), enabled by real-time Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, as well as (4) development of pixelated readout technology for future-generation LArTPC experiments.

An ideal candidate for this position will be expected to take a leading role in MicroBooNE and SBN physics analyses, including the development of new reconstruction and software tools for the data processing and analysis pipelines. An ideal candidate would also work with electronics engineers and/or computer scientists to develop new readout or data-processing hardware technologies and methodologies for LArTPCs, and carry out demonstrations with dedicated test-stands or in situ at the experiments.

A PhD in physics, astrophysics, or similar field is required, with a strong background in data analysis, reconstruction, and/or simulations. Experience with scientific software development, online software workflows, and/or machine learning/AI is advantageous. The expectation is that most of the work will be performed at Columbia/Nevis Labs, with occasional travel to Fermilab near Chicago, Illinois.

Interested candidates should submit their application including (a) a research statement describing their research background and interests, and (b) their CV, including a list of publications, to nu-recruitment@nevis.columbia.edu , and have (c) at least three letters of recommendation sent to the same address. Applications submitted before Dec. 31, 2024 will receive full consideration, but applications will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.

At Columbia University and Nevis Laboratories we value diversity as a way to enrich our scientific research and academic missions. We strongly encourage applications from members of groups who are underrepresented in STEM. Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer -- Race/Gender/Disability/Veteran.

For any questions or further information on these positions, please contact Profs. Georgia Karagiorgi and Mark Ross-Lonergan at nu-recruitment@nevis.columbia.edu.

Letters of Reference: Should be sent to nu-recruitment@nevis.columbia.edu.