Post-doctoral fellowship in Particle Physics on the ALICE experiment at CERN - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Work description
The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN is the world’s most powerful accelerator. The ALICE experiment (http://alice-collaboration.web.cern.ch/) is the dedicated heavy-ion detector to exploit the unique physics potential of nucleus-nucleus interactions at LHC energies. Our aim is to study the physics of strongly interacting matter at extreme energy densities, where the formation of a new phase of matter, the quark-gluon plasma (QGP), is expected. The existence of such a phase, and its properties are key issues in QCD. For this purpose, we are carrying out a comprehensive study of particles (mainly hadrons) produced in the collision of heavy nuclei. ALICE is also studying proton-proton (pp) collisions both as a comparison with lead-lead (Pb-Pb) collisions and in physics areas where ALICE is competitive with other LHC experiments. A particularly hot topic is to what degree the same type of physics (QGP?) can be found in small (pp) and large (Pb-Pb) collisional systems.

The Lund ALICE group currently has 3 senior members: Peter Christiansen, Alice Ohlson and David Silvermyr, active emeritus professors, and 4 PhD students. We are looking for one Post-doctoral fellow to join us in this research. The successful candidate will work on analysis of ALICE data, in particular of the central barrel with the main tracking detector, the Time Projection Chamber (TPC). Current group research interests include the study and analysis of identified particle spectra and correlations in heavy-ion collisions. The successful candidate would be expected to focus on particles with different amounts of strangeness. Collaborating on studies of heavy flavor analysis with existing and future datasets could be a complementary activity.

Additionally, some activities connected to R&D for future experiments and/or upgrades of ALICE, could be included.

The successful candidate would have the possibility to help with supervising Master students. The research activities are located at the Department of Physics at Lund University. Frequent visits to CERN will be required.

Qualification requirements
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Good knowledge in spoken and written English is a requirement.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
Prior experience in detector and analysis work in particle physics, collaborative skills in order to work in a large collaboration and scholarly proficiency are the main requirement for employment. Programming skills in C++ are of relevance for this position. Applicants must show a high degree of research expertise as manifested in the quality of their PhD dissertation and other publications. The application must include a research plan that shows the applicant's own ideas for research within the context of the research topics in the Lund ALICE group.

In addition to the above, the following set of criteria will be applied in the assessment of candidates:

• Relevance and viability of the research plan
• International experience
• Results and distinctions that attest to the applicant's ability to do research
• Ability to engage in activities that inform society at large about research

Evaluation of the applicants will take their experience, knowledge and other personal qualities into consideration. The applicant's ability to use their skills and experience to strengthen and supplement existing research activities within the Lund ALICE group will be also considered.

Terms of employment
The qualifications for academic positions and basis of assessment are given in Chapter 4, Section 3-4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Application procedure
Please apply online via Lund University’s recruitment system (see link below). All documents (except reference-letters see below) are to be uploaded in the recruitment system as pdf, word or similar files. Applicants are also required to answer job specific questions if that is the first step of the application process.

Applications must include the following:

1 A cover letter describing your interest in this position.

2 A short research plan.

3 A CV with copies of PhD and exam certificates.

4 A list of up to 10 relevant publications, stating the candidate’s contribution

5 A list with three referees.

6 Other documents the applicant wishes to put forward.