Experimental Research Associate (HPS)
: Job Details :

Experimental Research Associate (HPS)

Job ID

5726

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Temporary

**SLAC Job Postings**

**Position Overview:**

The SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking an experimental Research Associate to work on accelerator-based searches for Dark Forces and Dark Matter. SLAC has leading roles in the Heavy Photon Search (HPS) experiment, an accelerator-based search for a hidden sector photon being conducted at Jefferson Lab, and in the development of future searches for Dark Sectors and sub-GeV Dark Matter using compact, technologically aggressive detectors and intense particle beams.

HPS has produced physics results from data taken during engineering runs in 2015 and 2016 and is focusing on the analysis of data taken during physics operations 2019 and 2021, along with preparing the detector for operations in the 2025/2026 timeframe. The successful candidate will be expected to have significant experience in physics analysis and/or instrumentation and take on key roles in the experiment in one or both areas. These roles include improving track and event reconstruction and conducting physics analysis to explore key parameter space for dark forces, as well as helping to maintain and operate the HPS Silicon Vertex Tracker.

SLAC also plays a central role in developing the Light Dark Matter eXperiment (LDMX) to search for Dark Matter production in fixed-target electron-nuclear scattering using a missing momentum approach. Using the LCLS-II drive beam at SLAC, LDMX will search for thermal relics with sufficient sensitivity to fully explore couplings implied by the observed relic abundance across the MeV-GeV mass range. As a DOE Dark Matter New Initiative (DMNI), LDMX has been called out in the recently released P5 Report as part of the first set of experiments under the Advancing Science and Technology through Agile Experiments (ASTAE) program. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of the LDMX apparatus and physics program, with construction and first operations expected during extended appointments.

Inclusiveness and diversity are integral to SLAC's commitment to excellence in research, engagement, and education. We therefore encourage applications from candidates identifying with groups that are historically underrepresented in physics. Candidates with strong coding skills and significant experience in the area of charged particle tracking are especially encouraged to apply, as are applicants with experience building and/or operating silicon tracking detectors and high-performance data acquisition systems.

For additional information on HPS and LDMX, see: and

**Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.**

**Qualifications:**

As a part of the general research associate program at SLAC, this is a highly competitive position and requires a background of demonstrated excellence in research and a recent PhD in experimental particle physics. The initial appointment is for two years, with the strong possibility of extension for additional years upon satisfactory performance.

**Deadline:** Processing of applications for this position will begin on March 1, 2024 but the position will be open until filled. This position is based at SLAC/Stanford with an expected start time of Summer 2024. For further information about this position, please contact Dr. Timothy Nelson (...@slac.stanford.edu).

**Application Materials Required:**

**Submit the following items online via AJO to complete your application:**

+ Cover Letter

+ Curriculum Vitae

+ Publication List

+ Research Statement

+ Three Reference Letters (to be submitted by the reference writers to AJO site)

**SLAC employee competencies:**

+ **Effective Decisions** : Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.

+ **Self-Development** : Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.

+ **Dependability** : Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.

+ **Initiative** : Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.

+ **Adaptability** : Flexes as needed when change occurs, and maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.

+ **Communication** : Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, and presented messages

+ **Relationships** : Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve.

**Physical requirements and Working conditions:**

+ Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

**Work standards:**

+ Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

+ Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1-General Policy and Responsibilities:

+ Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide,

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.

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**Classification Title:** Research Assoc-Experimental

**Grade:** G

**Job Code:** 0127

**Duration:** Fixed Term

_The expected pay range for this position is $70,000 to $90,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs._

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. SLAC is an E-Verify employer.