The University of Geneva Department of Particle Physics (DPNC) invites applications for a Ph.D. Student to pursue doctoral studies associated with the ATLAS Experiment at the CERN LHC.

The student will join a new innovative ERC-funded project oriented around searches for new physics with the ATLAS Detector, and will be expected to participate in activities primarily related to hadronic physics reconstruction and data analysis. Parts of the project could involve the development of machine learning algorithms, depending on the student’s interest and competence.

The DPNC has made significant contributions across a wide range of ATLAS activities, including detector construction and operation, triggering, software, reconstruction, and data analysis. Details of the current department activities and interests can be found on the DPNC website (https://www.unige.ch/dpnc/en/). The selected candidate will join this diverse research group, and will focus on the reconstruction and data analysis domains as described above.

Doctoral candidates in the DPNC will normally complete their degree requirements within four years, however extension up to a 5th year are possible if needed. The degree requirements include both course work as well as research studies, where the latter must lead to the preparation and defence of a thesis. The student will hold the post of Doctoral Assistant, which includes teaching duties. Non-francophone candidates are encouraged to achieve proficiency in French during the first year of studies.

Candidates should be strongly motivated to pursue doctoral studies in particle physics, and should have received (or be about to receive) the equivalent of a Master’s Degree with a specialization in particle physics or a related discipline. Past research experience in a particle physics experiment would be beneficial, as would a background in scientific computing and/or machine learning.

To apply, please fill out the following form (https://forms.gle/GUSP6oourkgB9K3k7) for background information, and then send a CV, a single-page statement on personal motivation, and a grades record to steven.schramm@unige.ch. You should also arrange for three reference letters to be sent. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive until an exceptional candidate is identified; for full consideration, please make sure that all of your materials are submitted by June 6. The position is expected to start in Fall 2021 or early 2022 at latest.

Reference letters and any inquiries should be sent to steven.schramm@unige.ch.