The Institute for Particle Physics and Astrophysics (IPA) at ETH Zurich (http://www.ipa.phys.ethz.ch/) seeks applications for graduate student positions dedicated to Research and Development (R&D) on monolithic silicon pixel detectors. The IPA CMS group has a broad profile, actively participating in collision physics analysis and operation and upgrade of the electromagnetic calorimeter (ECAL) and the pixel detector of CMS. The group is actively involved in generic R&D of monolithic pixel detectors in collaboration with PSI, as well as in targeted R&D towards the vertex detectors at a future collider experiment, for example the FCCee. This R&D is carried out in the framework of an international project within the ECFA DRD3 collaboration.

 

We are in search of exceptional candidates at the M.Sc level, preferably with prior research experience in Experimental Particle Physics and a keen interest in detector development.

 

The successful candidate is expected to make significant contributions to the characterization of the first prototypes of monolithic chip in the TowerJazz TPSCo 65nm process, which we develop as member of the OCTOPUS project in Work Package 1 of the DRD3 collaboration. The successful candidates are expected to play a pivotal role in laboratory and test beam measurement campaigns of prototypes in different technologies.

 

Candidates will actively participate in the teaching activities of the Physics Department (approximately 20-25% of the level of effort). The initial term of the position is 18 months, during which an aptitude colloquium must be passed pursuant the doctoral ordinance of ETH Zurich. The position is funded for up to four years. Interested candidates should submit their applications by the deadline along with a letter of motivation, names and contact details of two referees, and a curriculum vitae, via email to ipa-cms-phd@phys.ethz.ch. Recommendation letters will be solicited from the provided contact information as appropriate. For inquiries about the position, please contact Prof. Rainer Wallny (rainer.wallny@phys.ethz.ch, inquiries only) or Dr. Malte Backhaus (bmalte@phys.ethz.ch) (please mention “ETHZ DRD3 PhD:” in the subject line). The anticipated start of the contract is September 1, 2025, or later upon mutual agreement.