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PhD-student positions in Experimental Particle Physics with ALICE

Description

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN is the world’s most powerful particle accelerator. The ALICE experiment (http://alice-collaboration.web.cern.ch/) is the dedicated heavy-ion detector at the LHC, built to explore the unique physics potential of nucleus-nucleus interactions at high 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.

We are currently looking for one or two PhD students to join us in this research. At least one of the PhD projects will focus on the study of net particle fluctuations in heavy-ion collisions, a particularly hot topic at the moment because these experimental measurements provide information on the thermodynamic properties of the QGP and the phase diagram of QCD.

Job assignment

The doctoral student will participate in research education which includes performing research but also advanced course work.

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, jet quenching, correlations and fluctuations in heavy-ion collisions as well as in smaller collision systems. 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 activities are located at the Department of Physics at Lund University. However, regular visits to CERN will be required, and also some long-term stationing there could be required (and there is additional funding available for this).

Entry requirements

A formal requirement for doctoral studies in physics is:

• a university degree at an advanced level within a related field, such as a Master's degree in physics or equivalent, or
• substantial advanced course work at the Master level, or comparable, including an independent research project.

Furthermore, the acceptance is based on the estimated ability to accomplish postgraduate studies.

Other requirements

Good knowledge of spoken and written English is a requirement.

Basis of Assessment

Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the candidate’s expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to postgraduate studies within the research area, such as a broad and thorough preparation in physics. This must be documented by appended documents (e.g., diploma and transcripts).
• Ability to work independently and to formulate and solve scientific questions. This ability can be established, for example, based on undergraduate research experiences, a Master's thesis or in a discussion of scientific problems during a possible interview, but also letters of recommendation can illustrate this.
• Skills in written and oral communication.
• Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience
• The applicant should have experience in programming (C++).
• The applicant should be interested in working in an international environment since a lot of the activities will be at CERN and possibly also at other international laboratories.

Other assessment criteria:

• We consider good cooperation ability, drive and independent work ability as positive personal attributes.

The selection of the successful candidate will be based on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, the evaluation criteria indicated above, and the ability to cope with the challenges in the anticipated assignments. Special attention will be given to the master’s project.

Terms of employment

A PhD position is an employment with the main duty to be engaged in PhD studies according to the study plan. The duration of PhD studies is 4 years full time. In addition, those appointed to doctoral student position may be required to work with educational tasks, research and technical/administrative duties at a level of at most 20% of full time. The position is then extended correspondingly, however not longer than corresponding to 5 years full time employment. PhD positions are subject to special regulations. These can be found in the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1993:100, chapter 5, with updates). Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to a PhD position.

Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§.

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.

Applications must include the following and can be considered incomplete and not possible to evaluate otherwise:

• a cover letter in which applicants describe themselves and their particular research interests
• a CV
• a link (preferred) or a copy of the applicant’s Master’s thesis
• contact details of at least two references
• copies of grade certificates
• any other documents that the applicant wishes to refer to