Research Fellow in Particle Physics

Job no: 0057181
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full time; Fixed-term for 2 years
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/School: School of Physics
Salary: UOM Level A – $77,171 – $104,717 p.a. plus 17% super

The University of Melbourne would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Peoples, the Yorta Yorta Nation, the Dja Dja Wurrung People. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet and learn was the place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal Peoples have had and continue to have a unique role in the life of these lands.

About the Role
We are seeking a fixed term research fellow in experimental particle physics with emphasis on dark matter direct detection and beyond the standard model physics. The position will support the experimental program of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics – https://www.centredarkmatter.org . The primary goal of the Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics is to deliver breakthroughs in our understanding of the Universe through the pursuit of the discovery of dark matter particles. The Centre will exploit the unique geographical location of the first deep underground physics lab in the Southern Hemisphere. The University of Melbourne’s School of Physics hosts the Centre of Excellence, which also includes nodes at ANU, The University of Adelaide, The University of Sydney, Swinburne University and The University of Western Australia. The Centre is a collaboration between particle, nuclear, and quantum physics as well as particle astrophysics.

The research fellow will work on aspects of the dark matter detection program, including: the SABRE experiment and other underground direct detection experiments to which the Centre contributes, and R&D for future direct detection experiments. Melbourne is a long-term institutional member of the Belle (II) experiment at KEK, and the ATLAS experiment at CERN. The group also engages in development of defence and satellite-based applications of particle physics instrumentation.

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct internationally competitive research in dark matter direct detection
• Work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders and research partners, and with members of the research team
• Maintain a strong focus on communicating research findings by publishing in highly ranked journals, presenting to peers at relevant conferences

About You
You will possess extensive knowledge of experimental particle physics, and have the ability to conduct high quality research. You will have strong written and oral communication skills in English and have advanced analytical skills. 

You will also have:

• PhD in Physics in the areas of dark matter detection, high energy physics, or astroparticle physics
• Demonstrated experience in the development of instrumentation for particle physics
• Excellent ability to work co-operatively and positively in a multi-disciplinary research-based team environment and liaise with people from diverse backgrounds

About the School of Physics
The University of Melbourne’s School of Physics is one of Australia’s leading Physics Schools. It has achieved this status through the high quality of its research and teaching programs. The School offers a wide range of physics subjects to undergraduate and postgraduate students, and performs research in the following areas: Astrophysics, Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, Experimental Condensed Matter Physics, Experimental Particle Physics, Materials Science, Physical Biosciences, Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics and Theoretical Particle Physics.

The School of Physics hosts the following ARC Centre of Excellence groups:

• ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS)
• ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics
• ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery
• ARC Centre of Excellence in All Sky Astrophysics in 3 Dimensions
• ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (CQC2T)

The School also plays a major role in the Australian Synchrotron research program, and in the development of the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory.

About the University
The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked amongst the leading universities in the world. We are proud of our people, our commitment to research and teaching excellence, and our global engagement.

Benefits of Working with Us
In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a vibrant campus life, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements, generous personal, parental and cultural leave
• Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading
• Free and subsidised health and wellbeing services, and access to fitness and cultural clubs
• Discounts on a wide range of products and services including Myki cards and Qantas Club
• Career development opportunities and 25% off graduate courses for staff and their immediate families

To find out more, visit https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/staff-benefits .

Be Yourself
We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, females, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please submit your application including a brief cover letter, your resume and your responses against the selection criteria^ (found in the Position Description) for the role.

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact  us at hr-talent@unimelb.edu.au .

Applications close: 10 November 2022 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time

Position Description