Research Associate

Job id: 086266. Salary: £43,205 – £46,732 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.

Posted: 13 March 2024. Closing date: 03 April 2024.

Business unit: Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sci. Department: Physics.

Contact details:Dr Jim Dobson. [email protected]

Location: Strand Campus. Category: Research.

Job description

A vacancy for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to work on a new R&D activity  developing and testing quantum sensor readout of Xe-based dark matter detectors has arisen at the Experimental Particle and Astroparticle Physics (EPAP) Group, Department of Physics, King’s College London.   

We will welcome the successful candidate into the diverse Experimental Particle and Astroparticle Physics (EPAP) Group, to undertake research investigations in collaboration with the members of the EPAP group, and with close links to the Biological Physics and Soft Matter group at King’s as well as with project partners at the University of Glasgow. We especially encourage applications from females, minority ethnic candidates and other groups who are under-represented in physics. 

The successful candidate will be supported to make significant contributions to a new R&D activity in the EPAP group, developing and testing the use of Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detector (SNSPD) quantum sensors as a new readout device for Xe-based scintillation detectors, constructing a test bench to measure device performance and performing analysis and interpretation of data collected on the test bench. In role, the successful candidate will receive training in laboratory and clean-room safety and practises and be supported to develop their expertise in the relevant hardware techniques. 

Applicants should have, or be about to gain, a PhD in experimental particle physics or detector physics (HEP or nuclear), and have substantial experience of active participation in a particle physics, or particle astrophysics experiment, either running or at the R&D, design or construction phase. We are also interested in applications from candidates with expertise outside of these areas but with experience in relevant techniques such as VUV spectroscopy and single photon counting techniques. Hardware skills and good knowledge of data analysis in C++ or python are highly desirable. The post will be located at Kings College London at the Strand Campus, but will require periods of time to be spent at the University of Glasgow as project partners for this R&D work, as well as travel for conferences and workshops to present results. 

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme. If a candidate is about to complete a PhD, they will be appointed at Grade 5 (Research assistant contract) initially. 

The Department of Physics has had a distinguished scientific tradition since its foundation in 1829.   We are committed to both educational and research excellence with a wide variety of BSc, MSci, and postgraduate programmes driven by research.   

The Department of Physics at King’s College London is diverse, international and friendly with a positive atmosphere of collaboration and support between research groups. We currently hold a silver Athena Swan award and Juno Champion status from the Institute of Physics (IOP). We offer a welcoming environment and welcome applications from applicants of all backgrounds.  

Celebrating diversity and supporting staff is important to us and we offer a range of provision including caring support (including a Parenting and Carers Fund and the Carer’s Career Development Fund), training, and a variety of diversity and inclusion networks. Staff can apply for flexible working to help them balance the demands of their professional and personal commitments and we offer comprehensive leave policies for parental, adoption, surrogacy, dependant, and shared leave.  

This post will be offered on  a fixed-term contract until 31st October 2026. 

This is a full time post – 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

• Make significant contributions to developing and testing the use of Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detector (SNSPD) quantum sensors as a new readout device for Xe-based scintillation detectors. 
• Including the construction of a test setup for VUV characterisation of optical fibres and SNSPD devices using a VUV light source as well as a Xe-scintillation chamber.
• Perform measurements to characterise the different readout solutions (optical fibres, light guides, direct coupling), including analysis of results to select the best solution.
• Perform simulations to evaluate the performance of SNSPD devices for this new application as a dark matter VUV readout solution.
• Prepare reports of appropriate research results for public presentation through seminars and conferences. Contribute to writing papers summarising research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals (of high international standing where possible). Contribute to other reports where possible.
• Any other relevant activities related to the project as appropriate.
• Undertake such other duties as may be reasonably expected by the line manager or Head of Department.
• Conduct empirical research as required by the research programme.
• Collect data and undertake any appropriate analysis of data as requested.
• Maintain appropriate databases, keeping accurate written and computerised records and to ensure that these records are stored in a secure place, and to maintain confidentiality of all electronically stored personal data in line with the provisions of the Data Protection Act.
• Undertake literature and database searches for the research project, and to be able to interpret and present the findings of the literature searches and advise the research teams appropriately regarding potential projects as required by the line manager/supervisor/PI.
• Keep up to date with subject related and professional issues, in particular, developments in the specific subject area.
• The duties of the post outlined above are not exhaustive, and the postholder will be expected to be co-operative and flexible, undertaking such administrative and other duties as may from time to time be reasonably expected of a member of research grade staff in a university.
• These duties will be subject to review in line with the changing requirements of the Department or College, and with the development needs of the postholder as identified through regular review/appraisal processes.
• Liaising with collaborators.
• Mentoring of PhD students.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria

1.        Applicants should have, or be about to gain, a PhD in experimental particle physics, astroparticle physics, detector physics (HEP or nuclear), or a PhD in relevant techniques such as VUV spectroscopy or single photon counting but with a demonstrated interest in dark matter direct detection

2.        Evidence of experimental/hardware skills or an interest in developing them

3.        Ability to think analytically, interpret data and problem solve

4.        Ability to programme in C++ or Python

5.        Commitment to health and safety in the workplace

6.        Effective communication skills

7.        Ability to proficiently document results and work done

8.        Ability to organise and prioritise own work and organise research within the project timetable

9.        Familiarity with data analysis techniques, such as Monte Carlo techniques and statistical analysis

10.      Appropriate publication records

11.      Experience on working in the design and construction of HEP or astroparticle physics detectors, or single photon counting experiments.

Desirable criteria

1.       Experience with relevant hardware (such as photosensor systems, vacuum systems, cryogenic liquids, lasers/light sources)

2.       Experience with DAQ (Data Acquisition)

3.       Experience with calibration sources

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.