JOB SUMMARY
The University of Connecticut Particle and Nuclear Physics Group invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in support of our efforts within the Super BigBite Spectrometer (SBS) Collaboration in Jefferson Lab’s Experimental Hall A in Newport News, VA, led by Professor Andrew Puckett. The research is focused on precision studies of nucleon and nuclear structure at large momentum transfers in medium-energy electron-nucleus scattering. The SBS is a collection of apparatus designed for the study of high-momentum transfer (Q2) two-particle coincidence reactions at the highest luminosities that Jefferson Lab’s Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) is capable of delivering. The SBS experiments have been on the floor of Hall A since 2021, and two major experiments focused on neutron electromagnetic form factors at large have already been completed, with data analysis well underway. The remaining approved physics program of SBS includes measurements of proton and neutron form factor ratios using the polarization transfer method, scheduled to run in 2024 and 2025, and a measurement of single-spin asymmetries in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering on a transversely polarized Helium-3 target, which is tentatively planned to run in JLab’s Hall C in the late 2020s.
Professor Puckett is a spokesperson for the two largest remaining experiments in the SBS program and the UConn group is heavily involved in all aspects of the SBS program. Our primary responsibilities include the refurbishment/preparation of a Ring Imaging Cherenkov (RICH) detector for charged particle identification in the planned SIDIS measurement, and the event reconstruction, data analysis, and Monte Carlo simulation software for the entire program. The group is also in discussions to join the MOLLER experiment, a precision standard model test with sensitivity to new physics at scales competitive with the LHC energy and beyond, and is actively involved in proposing new experiments using the proposed polarized and unpolarized positron beam at CEBAF, and will also be increasingly involved in the SOLID Collaboration after completion of the SBS form factor program.
The successful candidate will be primarily stationed at Jefferson Lab in Newport News, VA, with occasional visits to UConn as needed, and will also help supervise the efforts of the group’s graduate students stationed at the lab or otherwise. Finally, the successful candidate will be encouraged to conceive and develop new experiment proposals and other initiatives in medium-energy nuclear, particle, and hadronic physics using electromagnetic probes, as appropriate.
The University of Connecticut, the Puckett research group, and the SBS/Hall A collaborations are committed to recruiting a diverse research workforce and fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace and research environment; qualified candidates from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate will be expected to play a lead role in supporting the group’s current research efforts, including, but not limited to:
- The software development, maintenance, and end-user support for the entire SBS program.
- The planning, preparation, commissioning, and execution of the GEP experiment run in 2024-2025.
- High-level coordination and support for the ongoing analyses of already-collected SBS data toward timely publication, including supervision and mentoring of thesis students analyzing the data.
- RICH detector preparations for the SIDIS experiment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- An earned Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in experimental nuclear, particle, or high-energy physics (or a closely related field) completed before the anticipated start date of the position.
- Demonstrated expertise in nuclear, particle, and hadronic physics using electromagnetic probes, including a working knowledge of the theory and phenomenology of fixed-target electron-nucleus scattering at multi-GeV energies, as demonstrated through scholarly publications and/or doctoral dissertation research.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively within medium-large collaborations and meet deadlines.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated proficiency in C++ programming and the standard software tools and libraries used in particle and nuclear physics (CERN’s ROOT and GEANT4 at a minimum).
- Experience or expertise with particle detectors, including but not limited to threshold and/or imaging Cherenkov detectors; micro-pattern gas detectors such as Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs), electromagnetic and hadronic calorimeters, scintillation detectors, and photomultiplier tubes.
- Experience or expertise with analog and digital electronics and high-speed data acquisition systems for large-scale, accelerator-based nuclear and particle physics experiments.
- Experience or expertise with event reconstruction algorithms and methods for detection systems commonly used in particle and nuclear physics.
- Demonstrated proficiency in the statistical methods of nuclear and particle physics data analysis.
APPOINTMENT TERMS
The position is available to be filled immediately; preference will be given to candidates who can start on or before July 12, 2024. The initial appointment at UConn is for one year, renewable annually for up to two additional years, contingent upon satisfactory performance, mutual agreement, and availability of funds. The position is located at Jefferson Lab in Newport News, VA, with occasional visits to UConn in Storrs, CT as needed.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
TO APPLY
Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498163 or "Nuclear, Particle, Hadronic" to upload a CV, publication list, cover letter, statement of research interests and plans not exceeding three pages. Please arrange for at least three (3) letters of reference to be sent to Prof. Andrew Puckett (andrew.puckett@uconn.edu).
Questions about the position should also be directed to Prof. Andrew Puckett. Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on May 7, 2024.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.
The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.