³ÉÈË´óƬ 2015 Nobel Prize in PhysicsAPPLICATION DEADLINE: July23, 2025
START DATE: Between September 1, 2025 and December 1, 2025
Job Description
The Particle Physics Group at Queen’s University at Kingston invites applications for two postdoctoral researcher positions to work with Professor Michela Lai on dark matter searches and neutrino physics in current and future argon experiments. The Global Argon Dark Matter Collaboration (GADMC) is leading efforts to directly detect Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) in liquid argon — one of the most efficient and scalable detector targets for underground laboratories.
DEAP-3600, the largest current dark matter experiment in argon, consists of 3.3 tonnes of liquid argon in a single-phase design, situated at (Sudbury, Canada). During its second fill, the experiment has already delivered world-leading results in WIMP searches and is now expanding its physics scope to include non-WIMP candidates and neutrino interactions from astrophysical sources. In the summer of 2025, the experiment is scheduled to begin its third and final fill, aiming for an instrumental background-free run following detector upgrades. Concurrently, sensitivity studies and instrumentation development are underway for the next-generation experiment, DarkSide-20k, whose primary detector will feature a 50-tonne dual-phase Time Projection Chamber (TPC). DarkSide-20k, located at the (LNGS, Italy), is expected to operate for ten years, primarily searching for WIMPs down to the neutrino fog.
The Queen’s University group will focus on data analysis from DEAP-3600, expanding the physics potential of DarkSide-20k to explore other dark matter candidates and neutrino physics from astrophysical sources. Additionally, the group will conduct R&D on argon mixtures containing molecules photosensitive to its scintillation light, which could be employed in future multi-tonne-scale argon experiments.
Appointment Details
Successful candidates will hold a Ph.D. in experimental particle physics or a closely related field. Applicants should have proficiency in Unix/Linux-based operating systems and programming languages such as Python and/or C++. Additional experience with data analysis in either dark matter search or neutrino physics, cryogenic and vacuum systems, radiopurity essay, silicon photomultiplier characterization and DAQ systems are desired.
- Duration: Two years, with the possibility of extension
- Salary: CAD $60,000 per year
Application Submissions
- A detailed CV
- A brief statement of research interests, including:
- - Education
- - Past experience
- - Future professional and academic goals
Candidates should also arrange for at least two letters of reference to be sent to Prof. Michela Lai (michelal@ucr.edu).
The preferred start date is between September 1 and December 1, 2025, but an earlier or later start date may be negotiable. Review of applications will begin on June 1st and continue until the positions are filled.
Queen’s University appreciates all expressions of interest; however, only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Contact Information
- Prof. Michela Lai
- Letters of Reference should be sent to michelal@ucr.edu
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Queen’s University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applications are strongly encouraged from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or members of racialized/visible minority communities, as well as women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
The University has policies in place to support employees with disabilities, including an Accommodation in the Workplace Policy and a policy on job accommodations that consider accessibility needs due to disability.
Applicants with disabilities will receive accommodations in the recruitment process as needed.