Research Associate on the DarkSide-20k Dark Matter Experiment

Research Associate on the DarkSide-20k Dark Matter Experiment
Science and Technology Facilities Council
Duration: 2-year fixed term contract
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE
Salary: £42,688 per annum
Hours: Full-time
Closing date for applications: 1st December 2026 

Applications are invited for a Research Associate position in Experimental Particle Physics to work on novel background mitigation techniques and dark matter search analyses on the DarkSide-20k experiment, within the Particle Physics Department (PPD) at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL). The post will initially be for two years.

PPD is one of the largest Particle Physics (PP) groups in the UK and contributes to all major PP experiments in the UK. Since 2019, RAL has been involved with the DarkSide-20k experiment, the flagship global liquid argon (LAr) direct dark matter detection experiment. The 50-tonne detector, currently under construction at the LNGS laboratory in Gran Sasso, Italy, is expected to improve sensitivity to TeV-scale dark matter particles by more than an order of magnitude compared with current searches, while also providing unprecedented sensitivity to low-mass dark matter candidates. This goal is realised with low-radioactivity, low-noise silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) sensor and readout technology, custom designed for DarkSide-20k, and a comprehensive background mitigation strategy. 

The successful applicant will join the DarkSide-20k neutron veto working group, led by RAL PPD, and take a leading role in developing crucial neutron background mitigation strategies for DarkSide-20k, which are the most dangerous background to the dark matter search. This work will involve interfacing with the data acquisition (DAQ), cosmogenic veto, calibration, and reconstruction working groups. The successful applicant will directly contribute to the flagship dark matter search analysis, alongside opportunities to contribute to complementary dark matter searches and sensitivity studies of additional physics signatures accessible with the DarkSide-20k detector. Furthermore, the candidate will have the option to undertake short overseas visits to LNGS, contributing directly to the construction and commissioning of the detector – a unique opportunity to play a hands-on role in a large-scale experiment built perhaps only once every ten years.

The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to get involved with low-temperature R&D related to the QUEST-DMC experiment in the newly established PPD cryogenics laboratory, home to a brand-new dilution refrigerator capable of reaching temperatures as low as 20 mK. QUEST-DMC is direct dark matter detection experiment that combines ultra-low temperature and particle physics expertise to search for sub-GeV dark matter candidates using a superfluid Helium-3 bolometer and quantum sensor readout. 

The applicant must have or be about to receive a Ph.D. in Particle Physics or a similar field. Applications should consist of a CV and a covering letter explaining why the candidate is suited to this position and the names and addresses of three referees. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr. Ashlea Kemp (ashlea.kemp@stfc.ac.uk).

Candidate Specification

To apply for this role, we are looking for the following [(S) will be measured at shortlisting, (I) will be measured at interview, (S&I) is both]:

Essential

• PhD. in Particle Physics or similar qualification (S).

• Relevant postgraduate experience in particle physics experiments, or equivalent (S&I).

• Familiarity with C++ and/or Python (S&I).

• Working knowledge of Monte Carlo simulations and/or data analysis techniques (S&I).

• Working knowledge of calibration and/or particle identification techniques (S&I).

• Ability to undertake original research (S&I).

• Ability to work independently (I).

• High degree of self-motivation (I).

• Ability to work on several activities in parallel (S&I).

• Fluent English (S&I).

• Ability to work collaboratively with large groups of people from a range of different countries (S&I).

• Good communication skills (I).

• Ability and willingness to acquire required knowledge (I).

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!

Benefits include:

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.

• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full-time equivalent).

• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.

• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.

• Flexible working options.

Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work-life balance! For further information on our benefits please see Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.

Please apply online. If you experience any issues during your application, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.

Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee, and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact Recruitment@ukri.org.

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.  For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

As part of the pre-employment checks there is a requirement to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Screening. BPSS is a pre-condition of employment and failure to achieve it may mean that the employment offer is rescinded. UKRI reserves the right to run, or re-run, security clearance as required during the course of employment.