Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Working Title Postdoctoral Research Scientist Posting Number NFE02221P Department SDSMT-Physics 1 Physical Location of Position (City) Rapid City Posting Text The Physics Department at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (South Dakota Mines) invites applications for a post-doctoral research scientist position with its Experimental Dark Matter group.
The successful applicant will work on the direct dark matter searches, LZ and/or SuperCDMS.
LZ is already the most sensitive direct detection search for most masses of WIMP dark matter with only 1/20th of its expected full exposure analyzed.
SuperCDMS, currently under construction at SNOLAB in Canada, will use novel low-temperature detectors that provide extremely low energy thresholds and excellent separation of possible dark matter interactions from backgrounds, resulting in unique sensitivity to low-mass WIMPs.
The successful candidate may play a major role in the analysis of LZ and/or the construction, testing, and analysis of SuperCDMS, and perform research and development towards future dark matter experiments including efforts to mitigate otherwise dominant backgrounds from radon daughters.
Starting date is potentially flexible, with start dates between March 1, 2024 and August 31, 2024 preferred.
A PhD in particle astrophysics, high-energy physics, nuclear physics, or a related field is required.
Experience with low-noise electronics, cryogenic systems, detector development, radiation detection, low-background techniques, data acquisition, data analysis, and/or simulations would be advantageous.
South Dakota Mines is less than an hour’s drive from the Sanford Underground Research Facility, historic home of the noble-prize-winning Ray Davis experiment on solar neutrino oscillations, current home of LZ, and future site of the DUNE/LBNF far detector.
The university has made a focus of underground physics experiments to increase our understanding of particle physics and the universe, with recent hires resulting in a group of six faculty collaborating on experiments on direct detection of dark matter, neutrino oscillations, and cosmic neutrinos, providing a rich environment for research in particle physics and cosmology.
South Dakota Mines is a best-in-class STEM university that offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees located in Rapid City, the state’s second largest city with a MSA population of over 158,000.
With 226 days of sunshine, 1.
2 million acres of breathtaking scenery of the Black Hills National Forest, 700 miles of motorized trails and nearly 500 miles of hiking trails, there is a lot to see and do.
People from around the world come here each year to see top attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park, Terry Peak Ski Area, and Reptile Gardens.
There’s something for everybody! At Mines, our vision is to develop world-class leaders in science and engineering to benefit society through education, innovation, and engagement.
Nearly 2,500 students from every state and over 40 countries are represented on our campus.
Mines is an affordable option with a great return on investment.
Known for our academic rigor, we maintain an average class size of 24 and our students benefit from immersive learning experiences including undergraduate research, co-ops/internships, and nationally competitive engineering teams.
These experiences make graduates highly sought after by industry and attributes to high starting salaries and 98% placement rate in the field of study.
Research at Mines encompasses four main areas: energy and environment; materials and manufacturing; STEM education; and underground science and engineering.
Entrepreneurship is highly valued and programming assists students and faculty to engage in entrepreneurial activities and transition scientific and technological innovations into viable products and business startups.
South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage options for employees, spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance.
Individuals interested in this position must apply online at https://www.
sdsmt.
edu/employment/ .
Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at (605) 394-1203.
Review of applications will begin January 31, 2024.
Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
Attach a cover letter, a statement of qualifications and interests (attach as other document), a curriculum vitae, and the name, address, phone number and email addresses of three professional references.
By providing this contact information, you agree that we may contact your references.
Posting Date 12/27/2023 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 01/31/2024 Advertised Salary $55,000 - $60,000 dependent on education and experience Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours 8:00am-4:30pm Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Faculty Status No Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search This position requires Travel If other, please indicate Department Description and Cultural Expectations Equal Employment Opportunity Statement South Dakota Mines does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status in employment or the provision of service.