Post-doctoral fellowship in Particle Physics on the ALICE experiment/ITS3 project at CERN - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject 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.

The Lund ALICE group currently has 3 senior members: Peter Christiansen, Alice Ohlson and David Silvermyr, 2 post-doctoral fellows, active emeritus professors, and 5 PhD students. We are looking for one post-doctoral fellow to join us in this research. The successful candidate will work on the important and novel ALICE ITS3 upgrade project which will increase the science capabilities of the ALICE experiment at LHC by upgrading one of its subsystems, the three Si-pixel detector layers placed closest to the collision point.  The successful candidate would be expected to focus on testing of full-scale detector prototypes which will become available in 2023, as well as simulation work.

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 and at CERN. Frequent visits to CERN will be required.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

The successful applicant will conduct R&D work with ITS3 prototypes to develop procedures and electronic solutions for testing and quality control of the final detectors. The tests will use radiation of different kinds, like beta sources and X-ray sources and tests with particle beams. In addition, simulation studies in the ALICE O2 framework will need to be performed.

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 date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

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. Applicants must show a high degree of research expertise as manifested in the quality of their PhD dissertation and other publications.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Prior experience in Si detector R&D work is highly desirable.
• Programming skills in C++ are very relevant for this position.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Relevance and viability of past research and future research interests
• 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. Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of two years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

1. A cover letter describing your interest in this position.
2. A general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages).
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 contact information for three references.
6. Other documents the applicant wishes to put forward