The post is available for a fixed-term duration of 3 years.

The Mu3e experiment at PSI will search for μ→3e with muons at rest with sensitivity <10-15 (<10-16 ) in Phase 1(2) improving on the most sensitive previous measurement by 3 (4) orders of magnitude  and probing mass scales inaccessible to direct searches at the LHC or HL-LHC.  The first half of this project will be focussed on the construction of the ultra-low-mass Mu3e outer pixel ladders.  The successful applicant will take a leading role in finalizing the production and quality control steps and overseeing and participating in this most technically demanding aspect of the Mu3e experiment’s construction.  This work will be undertaken in the Oxford Physics Microstructure Detector (OPMD) cleanroom facility in Oxford, and will involve machine-vision controlled precision robotic assembly techniques, quality control, metrology, and electrical testing of the ladders.  They will join a tightly integrated multi-disciplinary team consisting of applied physicists, engineers, DPhil students, and specialist technicians.  The second half of the project will focus on the construction, commissioning and initial operation of the full detector at PSI, where the deep understanding gained in the initial phase will be used to optimise the detectors performance.   They will also be encouraged to contribute to the wider development of the Mu3e project at an international level.

The successful candidate will first be based in Oxford and play a leading role in the construction and testing of the Mu3e CMOS HVMAPS ladders in the OPMD laboratory.  They will work with experienced colleagues on implementing an efficient production flow for large-scale ladder fabrication and quality control testing.  When the construction of the ladders is completed, the candidate will move to PSI where they will participate in the integration of the pixel system in the detector and its calibration for commissioning and operation.  Finally, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with the Oxford Mu3e group on the analysis of the first experimental data, this will be sequenced after the completion of the detector construction work.

As part of the OPMD group the successful applicant would also have the opportunity to take part in our activities working on research into novel detector technologies including: depleted monolithic sensors, low gain avalanche detectors, optical sensors for astronomy and atom interferometry, and the application of hybrid pixel detectors to other areas of science, although this is subordinate to the main Mu3e project

Applicants should hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in physics, or a Master’s degree in a relevant engineering subject or other related field. Ideally applicants should have a background in either the testing, development, construction, or commissioning of silicon or other detectors for particle physics or similar applications.

Previous experience in the field of experimental particle physics detector development, silicon detectors, or applied physics will be an advantage.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate good organisational, teamworking, and communication skills, operating as a senior part of part of a multi-disciplinary team, coordinating local activities and regularly presenting results to the Mu3e collaboration meetings.

The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach.

Informal enquiries about this post may be made to: richard.plackett@physics.ox.ac.uk. 

Only applications received promptly by 12:00 noon UK time on 9 January 2023 can be considered. Please read the “Person Specification and Job Description” before preparing your application. You will be required to upload a Curriculum Vita, a description of research experience and interests and the names and addresses of three referees as part of your online application. In addition you should arrange for the letters of reference to be sent to sue.geddes@physics.ox.ac.uk by the closing date. Applications are acknowledged but not reference letters.

More information: https://my.corehr.com/pls/uoxrecruit/erq_jobspec_details_form.jobspec?p_id=161867