The Experimental Astroparticle Physics Group at the University of Alberta (UofA) invites applications for a postdoctoral position to participate in the NEWS-G dark matter experiment, currently achieving world-leading sensitivity. The NEWS-G experiment is installed at the SNOLAB underground laboratory using a 135 cm diameter spherical proportional counter (SPC) filled with a noble gas mixture capable of observing the energy response of single electrons. Its low energy threshold makes it an ideal detector for searching for sub-GeV dark matter and coherent neutrino scattering (CEvNS) candidates.

 

The NEWS-G group at the UofA is involved in a range of activities. We are conducting R&D toward NEWS-G upgrades, such as adding the directionality channel for the discrimination between dark matter and CEvNS, R&D for gas purification and radon removal, and calibration studies for quenching factor measurements using the neutron-capture and W-value measurements. The group is also strongly involved in the NEWS-G science analysis and simulation to understand the detector behaviour at low energies. The detector development work is carried out at the UofA Laboratory Facility, which hosts an operational SPC and laser calibration system. Additionally, our lab group is supported locally by electronic, mechanical and technologist engineers, as well as specialized research technicians and machinists.

 

The successful candidate will take a leading role in R&D toward NEWS-G upgrades, as well as in Monte Carlo simulations, detector characterization and calibration studies with the experimental setup at the UofA Lab Facility. The work will involve interacting with international collaborators and assisting with the mentoring of students. There might also be opportunities to work on the analysis of the SNOLAB data and Geant4 simulations for muon-induced backgrounds. This position will provide highly valued and essential research skills – analytical, numerical and experimental – that are relevant and transferable for future participation and careers, both in academic research and non-academic environments.

The appointment is initially for two years, with the possibility of renewal contingent on performance and funding availability. The expected start date is September 1, 2025. Earlier or later start dates can be negotiated. We offer: 

Application materials should be submitted at https://apps.ualberta.ca/careers/posting/2139. Candidates should provide the following documents all in one single .pdf file:

Applicants should also arrange for at least three reference letters to be sent by the letter writer directly to Dr. Marie-Cécile Piro, mariecci@ualberta.ca. 

Review of the applications will begin on July 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

 

For more information, please contact: 

Dr. Marie-Cécile Piro

Associate Professor 

Department of Physics

University of Alberta