Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay - Postdoctoral Researcher

Key Skills

C++, Data Analysis, Data science techniques, Design, Effective communication skills, Presentation skills, Python Programming

Job Description

The nEXO team at LLNL is hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on developing machine learning analyses as well as other software and hardware for the nEXO experiment. nEXO is a large liquid xenon time projection chamber searching for neutrinoless double beta decay and is currently in the design and construction phase. In this role, you will design software that will enhance nEXO’s scientific reach through precision analyses and contribute to the design of nEXO through simulation-powered analysis of experimental design decisions. This role emphasizes software and data analysis skills, but experience with liquid noble time projection chambers for particle and nuclear physics is also valuable. This position is in the Particle Physics Group of the Nuclear and Chemicals Sciences (NACS) Division.

You will

• Integrate into the nEXO collaboration
• Create data analysis algorithms to improve nEXO’s precision
• Extend nEXO’s data analysis using machine learning
• Evaluate experimental designs and make recommendations using detector simulations
• Contribute to exploratory research and development of new detection concepts similar to nEXO
• Collaborate with other scientists and technical personnel to accomplish research goals.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or related fields. A PhD in a computing field may be considered if accompanied by extensive experience on particle physics detector applications.
• Proficient in the principles of particle and radiation detection.
• Demonstrated ability to improve the scientific reach of detectors, as documented in publications, preprints, conference presentations and/or a dissertation.
• Experience in detector data analysis, including programming expertise in a language useful for data analysis such as Python or C++.
• Experience with collaborative software development, such as producing software for a team to use, designing software by collaborating with hardware experts, or adapting the expertise of computing/data scientists to physics applications.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a multidisciplinary research team as well as technical and administrative staff.
• Advanced communication skills with proven ability to present complex concepts and ideas in a clear and coherent manner, both verbal and written for presentation and publication.
• Ability to acquire new skills and domain knowledge, so that any of the below desired qualifications can be acquired on the job if not already possessed.

Qualifications We Desire

• Proficiency with machine learning of detector data.
• Experience with liquid noble time projection chambers.
• Experience with neutrinoless double beta decay.
• Proficiency with software tools commonly used in the particle detector field, including Geant4 and analysis frameworks.
• Experience conducting cutting-edge data analysis as demonstrated by, e.g., joint publications with data scientists, publications/presentations in data science venues, or engagement with recently published analysis research.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
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Security Clearance

None required. However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process. This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check. (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.)

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

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