LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) is a high-sensitivity dark matter experiment based on dual-phase xenon technology currently operating in the deep underground laboratory at SURF (South Dakota, USA). LZ is sensitive to dark matter particles predicted by many leading theories of new physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics, such as supersymmetry. The particle physics and particle astrophysics (PPPA) group at the University of Sheffield has been involved in the LZ experiment since 2013 with a prime responsibility for developing software for modelling and data analysis, simulation and understanding of background radiations. The LZ detector is currently collecting data in a search for WIMP dark matter and other phenomena beyond the standard model of particle physics.
Our group is involved in the processing and analysis of experimental data. The PhD project will include analysis of data from the LZ experiment, focused on the search for low-energy nuclear recoils from dark matter particle scattering and understanding background events that can mimic or obscure the signal. Shifts at the detector site in the USA to monitor detector operation and data quality will be required, and so will be remote shifts to control detector subsystems. The student will also have the opportunity to spend a longer period of time (4 - 12 months) in the USA participating in detector operation. The successful candidate will have a good knowledge of particle physics and excellent programming skills. Knowledge of nuclear physics and particle astrophysics is desirable. In addition to LZ data analysis, the student will have the opportunity to contribute to the design of XLZD - a next generation dark matter experiment based on dual-phase xenon technology.
Instructions for applying can be found on the website https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgradapplication/ with information on PhD study at Sheffield being available here: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/phd
Information on the Particle Physics group in Sheffield can be found here: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mps/research/physics/particle
