The CMS experiment is preparing a major upgrade (phase-2) for operation at the upcoming high-luminosity LHC. In this unique challenge, the Belgian CMS institutes engaged together towards constructing an endcap for the upgrade of the all-silicon outer tracker.

In particular, a high-tech tracker module assembly center is currently being put in place in the Interuniversity Institute for High Energies (IIHE) lab in Brussels. A large team of physicists, engineers and technicians from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, the Universite libre de Bruxelles, and the Universiteit Antwerpen already work on a daily basis on a multitude of topics to prepare for the actual production phase in 2023 and 2024: development of mechanical and electronic precision instrumentation, development of devices and firmware/software for in-depth testing of assembled structures, preparation of infrastructure and logistics, etc.

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel group at the IIHE has an opening at the level of postdoctoral researcher to join this vibrant team. We seek an outstanding candidate who has obtained (or is about to obtain) a PhD in experimental particle physics, with established experience in detector instrumentation. Skills in mechanics are a plus. A position for initially two years is available.

As a candidate, you are expected to take a leadership role in the project. Together, you will evolve the current prototying phase towards high-throughput readiness, and you will achieve module production center qualification by Spring 2022. With hands-on involvement matching your profile and the team's needs, you will serve as a pedagogic anchor for students and newcomers, coordinate activities within the local team and within the broader Belgian consortium, and provide a bridge to the other module production centers, and to the overall CMS tracker upgrade project. You bring to the team a problem-solving attitude, a diligent work ethic, positive people skills, and an enthusiastic team spirit to bring this thrilling challenge to success.

The position is open to candidates of any nationality. You will be based in the very international city of Brussels, with regular travel expected to CERN and other involved labs.

Applicants should send their curriculum vitae, a list of achievements and publications indicating their personal contributions, and a statement of research interests (all in one pdf file), and arrange for at least 3 references to be sent to: Sofie Van Den Bussche (Sophie.Van.Den.Bussche@vub.be).

The review of applications will start on June 25, 2020 and continue until the position is filled.

For more information, please contact Steven Lowette (steven.lowette@vub.be) or Jorgen D'Hondt (Jorgen.DHondt@vub.be).