The Physics Institute IIIA at RWTH Aachen University seeks applications for the position of a Postdoctoral Research Assistant/Associate for the CMS experiment. Our institute and the Department of Physics at RWTH Aachen University offer a vibrant community of particle physicists who play leading roles in analysis of data, in reconstruction of physics objects, and in the detector upgrade, commissioning, and operations.

The measurement of the Higgs boson couplings is among the highest priorities of the LHC physics programme. In our group, we have unique experience in the search for the decay of the Higgs boson into charm quarks and related physics analyses. The goal is to facilitate the measurement of the Higgs boson coupling to charm quarks in the near future. We are also developing the necessary technical ingredients such b-Jet Tagging and c-Jet Tagging algorithms which are heavily making use of modern deep learning techniques.

There is close and frequent collaboration with the strong local theory community as well as with other local experimental groups. Through our CMS Tier-2/Tier-3 centre there is access to outstanding computing resources. RWTH Aachen University is one of Germany's leading research universities. We offer an excellent work environment in an experienced, diverse, and highly motivated team, strong support in developing your own ideas and establishing a track record for future career development, and a travel budget that enables regular, also extended, trips to CERN and to conferences to present your work.

Applicants must have a doctorate/Ph.D. or equivalent in particle physics and leadership potential in particle physics data analysis. The candidate should have experience in the analysis of high energy physics data, including software development in C++ and python. The ability to work in an international research environment is expected, including good English proficiency. Applications consist of a CV, a cover letter, and at least two letters of recommendation.

The successful candidate is expected to strengthen our group in the main research areas of Higgs physics and jet flavour reconstruction with a research focus on the Higgs boson coupling to charm quarks. Another equally important task is the development, maintenance, calibration and commissioning of b-Jet and c-Jet Identification methods. In all cases deep learning techniques need to be applied. Expertise in this context is beneficial. The candidate is expected to take a leading role in these areas within the CMS collaboration, to bring the analyses and methods to the next level with new ideas and to actively participate in CMS detector upgrades. Participation in university teaching is welcome and possible in mutual agreement. Contributions to CMS operations as well as mentoring of students is expected.

The position can be based in Aachen and/or at CERN. In case the position is based at CERN, regular travel to the home institution will be expected.

The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract.

The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term of 3 years.

The option to extend the contract is available.

The fixed-term employment is possible as it constitutes one of the fixed-term options of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed-term Scientific Contracts).

This is a full-time position.

The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L).

The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV-L.

RWTH is a certified family-friendly University. We support our employees in maintaining a good work-life balance with a wide range of health, advising, and prevention services, for example university sports. Employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements and civil servants have access to an extensive range of further training courses and the opportunity to purchase a job ticket. 

RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly from groups that are underrepresented at the University. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is strongly committed to encouraging women in their careers. Female applicants are given preference if they are equally suitable, competent, and professionally qualified, unless a fellow candidate is favored for a specific reason.

As RWTH is committed to equality of opportunity, we ask you not to include a photo in your application.

You can find information on the personal data we collect from applicants in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) at http://www.rwth-aachen.de/dsgvo-information-bewerbung.