http://inspirehep.net/record/1422733

Field of Interest: hep-ex, hep-ph, nucl-ex, physics.ins-det
Deadline: 2016-04-22
Region: North America

Job description:

The Nuclear and Hadronic Physics Group at the University of Connecticut is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to support our experimental nuclear physics program in Hall A at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab or JLab), led by professor Andrew Puckett. The research in Hall A is focused on studies of nucleon structure via medium-energy electron scattering using JLab’s recently upgraded 11 GeV electron beam, with an emphasis on measurements of nucleon electromagnetic form factors at large momentum transfers and studies of the nucleon’s three-dimensional spin structure via measurements of target single-spin asymmetries (SSAs) in Semi-Inclusive Deep-Inelastic Scattering (SIDIS). The group is involved in the construction of the Super BigBite Spectrometer (SBS), designed to detect high-energy particles at forward scattering angles with large acceptance at the highest luminosities achievable at JLab.

There are presently four approved experiments that will use the SBS, representing 180 approved beam-days in Hall A. The group is responsible for the Ring-Imaging Cherenkov (RICH) detector that will be used for particle identification in SBS and is the lead developer and maintainer of the GEANT4-based Monte Carlo simulation package for all four SBS experiments. The successful candidate will be expected to play a lead role in the testing, preparation, installation, checkout and operation of the RICH, make significant contributions to the development of data acquisition, event reconstruction and analysis software for all four experiments, and play a lead role in the installation, commissioning and execution of the SBS physics program. The associate will be stationed at Jefferson Lab, making periodic visits to UConn as required by the research efforts of the group, and will help supervise the efforts of graduate students from the group stationed at JLab.

Minimum Qualifications: A Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in experimental nuclear, particle, or high-energy physics (or closely related field) before the anticipated start date. Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills as demonstrated by scientific publications in major refereed journals, conference presentations, etc. General knowledge of nuclear and particle physics.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience/expertise in the following areas is strongly desired: Physics of medium-energy fixed-target electron-nucleus scattering; particle detectors (especially threshold and imaging Cherenkov detectors); analog and digital electronics and data acquisition systems for experimental nuclear/particle physics; C++ programming; Monte Carlo simulation; processing and analysis of large nuclear/particle physics data sets including modern statistical methods as applied to such analyses; familiarity with software libraries such as ROOT and GEANT4 used in particle physics data analysis and simulation; knowledge of event reconstruction algorithms for particle and nuclear physics detectors.

Appointment Terms: This position has an anticipated start date of July 15, 2016 and is for an initial duration of one year, renewable for up to two additional years (three years total), contingent on satisfactory performance, mutual agreement and availability of funds.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, CV, and statement of research interests via UConn Jobs (http://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, select "Staff positions", search #2016412). Additionally, please arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to Andrew Puckett at andrew.puckett@uconn.edu.  Questions or requests for further information about the position should be directed to Dr. Andrew Puckett (andrew.puckett@uconn.edu). Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. (Search #2016412).

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on April 22, 2016.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.