*********** Appliations in The University of Sheffield ************* The University of Sheffield Department of Physics and Astronomy Lectureship in Experimental Particle Astrophysics including Dark Matter We invite applications for a new tenured faculty position in Experimental Particle Astrophysics. Working with the High Energy Physics and the Astronomy groups, the Particle Astrophysics group is highly active in the ANTARES neutrino experiment, new solar/astrophysical neutrino development projects and WIMP Dark Matter experiments - DRIFT (a low pressure gas directional experiment) and ZEPLIN (liquid xenon experiments aiming towards a 1 tonne detector). The successful candidate will be expected to take a leading role in our Dark Matter activities and/or to develop initiatives relevant to our Particle Astrophysics programme. Candidates with a background in experimental particle physics, high energy astrophysics or particle astrophysics are encouraged to apply. Starting dates are negotiable but October 1st, 2002 is preferred. The post will be made at lecturer level in the first instance and is permanent assuming successful completion of the normal probationary period of three years. Grade: LA Closing Date: 19 August 2002 Reference Number: R2682 Applications, comprising a curriculum vitae, a list of publications and the names and addresses of three referees should be sent, by 19th August 2002, to: Personnel Department, Firth Court, Western Bank, S10 2UH, UK. For further information and informal enquiries contact Prof. Neil Spooner (n.spooner [at] sheffield.ac.uk), tel + (0) 114 222 4422 The University is an Equal Opportunities employer. ------------------------------------ The University of Sheffield Department of Physics and Astronomy Lectureship in Experimental Particle Astrophysics including Dark Matter Responsibilities of the Lecturer The Lecturer will be expected to play a leading part in the UKDM dark matter programme (Sheffield, ICSTM, RAL) and/or related activity in the Particle Astrophysics group at Sheffield directed at the Boulby underground laboratory. At present key activity within the UKDM includes development of the DRIFT series of experiments, the world's first direction sensitive dark matter experiments, and a major new thrust to design and develop a 1 tonne liquid Xenon detector, ZEPLIN-MAX. The group has recently been boosted by completion of 6 new laboratories for PA activity and completion of around 1000m2 of new, air conditioned, facilities at the underground site at Boulby. Working in collaboration with Prof. Neil Spooner and Dr. Dan Tovey the post holder will be given direct responsibility for supervising a number of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers working within the programme. Other responsibilities will include making applications for external funding, including for personal research, and expanding links with our existing US, UK and European collaborators. The latter will involve significant foreign and UK travel. The Lecturer will be expected to take part in undergraduate teaching. A background to the department and an outline of the expected teaching duties are described below. Research in the Department of Physics and Astronomy Full details of the department are best obtained from our web site at www.shef.ac.uk/~phys/. Briefly there are 8 very active research areas comprising: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Particle Physics, Particle Astrophysics, Condensed Matter, Magnetic Materials, Molecular Materials, Polymer Physics and Semiconductor Physics. Out of a total of 25 academic staff 10 are in the particle physics, astrophysics and particle astrophysics area together with typically 12-14 post doctoral researchers. These activities form a close collaborative block within the department which co-operates also with the University's Space Physics group which currently comprises 10 researchers. Three academics and around half the postdoctoral researchers work directly in particle astrophysics. There has been substantial investment in the department in recent years which has led to a rapid expansion of research and teaching activity. Grant income to the department has quadrupled in since 1998. The award of a prestigious and substantial government Joint Infrastructure Fund grant and SRIF awards has seen further expansion of laboratory space and a new neutron beam facility for the PA group in a separate building. The latter provides also dedicated space for construction of large detector items for particle astrophysics experiments. The current advertised post forms part of a further programme of expansion of the department planned for the next few years Teaching in the Department of Physics and Astronomy The department provides teaching for physics from foundation year to fourth year MPhys level, for Astronomy from first year to MPhys level, and for electronics in the first and second years. The teaching is based on a fully modular lecture-based system combined with assessed homework, class and web-based tests, laboratory classes, practical projects and directed reading assignments. The University provides free access to LCD projector technology for use in lectures. In Astronomy our laboratory work includes both laboratory projects and use of the department's observatory. The modular lecture system allows students flexibility to take dual degrees with one of the cognate disciplines, Mathematics, Chemistry, Material Science, Electrical Engineering, Medical Physics and Philosophy. This system also promotes interdisciplinary research activity. In the third year BSc students undertake two research projects, experimental, computational or theoretical, while MPhys students complete one project. Fourth year MPhys students then perform an extended project with literature review, design and implementation stages. The University operates a full tutorial system in the first and second years. The academic year is run as two Semesters of 15 weeks each comprising 11 weeks of lectures, 1 reading week and 3 weeks of examinations. Teaching Duties The exact teaching duties of the new lecturer are negotiable but are likely to be initially low, building up gradually to around 30-40 lectures a year plus up to two tutorials a week and one or two afternoons a week supervising in undergraduate practical laboratories. Some supervision of third or fourth year projects may be expected plus a contribution to normal department administrative activity such as seminar organisation. Again, these activities can be built up gradually over the first 2 -3 years. Particle Astrophysics: current research activities A brief summary is given here. The activities are split between our dark matter programme and our neutrino programme. Within this the main activities are the UK Dark Matter Collaboration WIMP search programme (for which Prof. Spooner is spokesperson), the ANTARES astrophysical neutrino experiment (for which Dr. Lee Thompson is UK spokesperson), and the SIREN-OMNIS solar and supernova neutrino r&d programme (for which Dr. Cartwright is co-spokesperson). WIMP Searches and the UKDMC The group is a leading member of the UKDM collaboration (Sheffield, RAL and Imperial College) which is building and running experiments searching for Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) using our large underground site at Boulby mine. Group activities related to the UKDMC include: (i) overall responsibility with RAL for operating the Boulby underground laboratory. A £3M expansion of facilities is nearing completion including a new 1000m2 laboratory underground and a new surface building with labs and offices all dedicated to the programme. An Institute for Underground Science, based in the department, has been formed to run this. (ii) operation and data analysis for the 50 kg NAIAD dark matter experiment at Boulby using NaI. Part of this work is in collaboration with Saclay. (iii) DRIFT - a new gas-based detector designed to be the first dark matter detector sensitive to the direction of WIMP events. DRIFT-1, the first 1 m3 detector, was constructed and installed underground with US collaborators during 2001, and is now taking data. A key activity here is data analysis for DRIFT I and design of second generation directional detectors DRIFT II and DRIFT III with US partners in California and Philadelphia. (v) ZEPLIN - a programme of experiments based on liquid xenon as the detection medium. ZEPLIN I is currently operational underground and setting world leading limits. More advanced detectors ZEPLIN II and ZEPLIN III are under construction. The group is responsible for key data analysis issues and in developing new charge readout technology. The activity at Sheffield is currently being expanded as part of a major new programme aimed at scaling up from the present kg size experiments towards a 1 tonne experiment called ZEPLIN-MAX. This is designed definitively to detect WIMPs or eliminate them as a candidate. Neutrino Astronomy and the ANTARES project The PA group is an active member of the international ANTARES collaboration that is constructing a massive under-water detector in the Mediterranean sea designed to search for astrophysical sources of neutrinos and, indirectly, dark matter. Group activities related to ANTARES are as follows: (i) Neutralino Physics - the group leads the neutralino physics consortium for ANTARES that is developing software and detector deployment strategies for investigating neutrinos arising from neutralino annihilation in the Earth, Sun and Galactic centre. (ii) Optical Beacon - Sheffield has responsibility for design, construction and installation of the main detector calibration system comprising arrays of fast LEDs. (iii) Photomultiplier Assessment - based on our extensive experience with PMTs in particle astrophysics experiments and close collaboration with Electron Tubes Ltd., Sheffield has responsibility for characterising the ANTARES PMTs, particularly their long term stability. Solar and Supernova Neutrino Astrophysics The group has an r&d programme aimed at developing new experiments at Boulby to search for supernovae neutrinos and solar neutrino. Supernova detection would be based on the measurement of neutrinos by neutral current excitation in natural rock, Pb or Fe, emitting neutrons which can be detected by counters placed in caverns. It would allow the time profile of emission of neutrinos from supernovae to be observed for the first time and allow time-of-flight measurement of neutrino mass if in the cosmologically interesting range of 10-100eV. The solar r&d is aimed at providing the first real-time low threshold measurements of solar neutrino flux through excitation of nuclei with sensitivity to all neutrino components and with spectroscopy capability below MeV energy. The detector concept is based on measuring distinctive decay signatures in loaded liquid scintillators. Industrial Collaborations Activities in the various technologies above have allowed the group to develop important collaborations with industry. This has resulted in many grants and studentships held jointly with high tech companies including, for instance, Electron Tubes Ltd. ******************************************************************** University of Sheffield Department of Physics and Astronomy and Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Research Associate in the RAL Dark Matter Group We invite applications for a research associate in the RAL dark matter group, funded through the University of Sheffield, initially for two years. The post will be based at RAL and will involve time working at the new Boulby underground facility, North Yorks. Prime responsibilities will include analysis of data from the ZEPLIN I xenon dark matter detector and participation in the design construction and commissioning of future dark matter detectors. Candidates should hold a Phd. and have a background in particle physics, high energy astrophysics or particle astrophysics. Salary: from £19,681 p.a. Grade: Research 1A Closing date: 19th August 2002 Reference Number: (R2681B) Applications, comprising a curriculum vitae, a list of publications and the names and addresses of three referees should be sent, by 19th August 2002, to: Personnel Department, Firth Court, Western Bank, S10 2UH, UK. For further information and informal enquiries contact Prof. Neil Spooner (n.spooner [at] sheffield.ac.uk), or Dr. Nigel Smith (n.j.t.smith [at] rl.ac.uk). The University is an Equal Opportunities employer. Job Description Research Associate in the RAL Dark Matter Group This post will be within the RAL dark matter group in the Particle Physics Department, but funded though the University of Sheffield. The post will be based at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, but will involve time at the research facility at Boulby, North Yorkshire, where the dark matter experiments are performed, with work also at the participating institutes, including Sheffield, when necessary. There will be opportunity to gain teaching experience if desired. Salary RA1A The new appointee will be primarily responsible for analysis of data from a currently running liquid xenon dark matter detector, using statistical analysis and analytical analysis techniques, leading to the setting of limits on the cross section for dark matter particles. Additionally, Monte Carlo simulation of the detector will be required using bespoke simulation codes and GEANT4. The appointee will also be expected to participate in the design, construction and commissioning of future dark matter detector systems and the operation of these systems at the experimental site at Boulby. The appointee will be involved in the development of DAQ and slow control systems for these new detectors. Duties include - analysis of data from liquid Xe scintillation detector, based on statistical techniques - Monte Carlo simulation of liquid xenon dark matter detectors using GEANT4 etc - development of computer control and DAQ - commissioning and implementation of detectors at RAL and Boulby - r&d tests related to noise and systematics within scintillators - assisting in experimental operations at Boulby The Boulby experimental site is within a working salt and potash mine which can be a harsh environment. The appointee must satisfy health and safety requirements for underground operations as laid down by the mine operators, Cleveland Potash Ltd. University of Sheffield Department of Physics and Astronomy Assistant Director - Institute of Underground Science The Institute of Underground Science has recently been formed by the University of Sheffield in partnership with CLRC, Imperial College, Manchester University and QMUL with responsibility for operation and scientific direction of the new £3M Boulby underground laboratory. Working within the Institute at Sheffield and Boulby you will be responsible with the Director and science board for managing finances, fund-raising, co-ordinating the science programme, and assisting with public understanding initiatives. Up to 50% of your time will be available for personal research at the facility. Candidates should preferably have a PhD. and a background in particle physics, high energy astrophysics or particle astrophysics. The post is for two years in the first instance. Salary: from £19,681 p.a. Grade: Research 1A Closing date: 19th August 2002 Reference Number: (R2681A) Applications, comprising a curriculum vitae, a list of publications and the names and addresses of three referees should be sent, by 19th August 2002, to: Personnel Department, Firth Court, Western Bank, S10 2UH, UK. For further information and informal enquiries contact Prof. Neil Spooner (n.spooner [at] sheffield.ac.uk). The University is an Equal Opportunities employer. Job Description Assistant Director - Institute of Underground Science The Institute of Underground Science has recently been formed by the University of Sheffield in partnership with CLRC, Imperial College, Manchester University and QMUL with responsibility for operation and scientific direction of the new £3M Boulby mine underground laboratory. Working within the Institute at Sheffield and at Boulby you will be responsible with the Director and science board for managing finances, fund-raising, co-ordinating the science programme, promotion of the facility and running public understand initiatives. Up to 50% of your time will be available for personal research at Boulby. Candidates should have a PhD., a background in particle astrophysics, particle physics or high energy astrophysics. The post is initially for 2 years. Salary RA1A Background - Boulby and the Institute of Underground Science The Boulby underground laboratory is a unique site in the world for performing underground science. At a depth of 1100 m and situated in low background salt rock a series of laboratories have been constructed that, following an award of £3M from the government Joint Infrastructure Fund (JIF), now comprises nearly 2000 m2 of air conditioned space. The facility currently hosts the UK dark matter collaboration experiments NAIAD, ZEPLIN and DRIFT. These involve scientists from UK institutes RAL, University of Sheffield and ICSTM plus overseas groups including UCLA, Torino, ITEP, Temple University, Occidental College LA. The ZEPLIN experiment is currently setting some of the best limits in the world for WIMP dark matter There are plans to build neutrino astronomy experiments (SIREN and OMNIS) and to provide facilities for other underground science initiatives. The Institute of Underground Science has been formed at the University of Sheffield to provide a framework for management and scientific direction for Boulby and to underpin particle astrophysics activity in partnership with Rutherford Laboratory and other University groups involved in the JIF proposal. As a centre of excellence it holds special status within the University to hold and manage funds. The Institute Assistant Director Post This post involves close collaboration with Prof. Neil Spooner and colleagues at Sheffield, RAL and ICSTM and is directed in the first instance at kick-starting the institute and promoting the facilities we have developed. It will be essential that the candidate is willing to travel, both in the UK and abroad, and to work for periods at Boulby both above and below ground. Particular tasks are: - Income generation and financial management: we wish to promote the site and facilities world-wide in order to attract new users and to generate income to support the facility. This will involve assisting with proposals, for instance EU, PPARC and industrial, seeking and investigating new uses for the site in fields outside particle astrophysics. - Public understanding of science PUS: linked to the above will be responsibility for generating PUS initiatives and dealing with press and TV events including assisting with interviews on the site. A close collaboration with the University of Durham Cosmology Centre and IPPP is underway to add to this. - The Institute has formed a scientific board designed to judge new proposals and make recommendations for new work at Boulby. The post holder will be responsibility for assisting administration of this. For instance organising Calls for Proposals and publicity, liasing with interested scientists, arranging visits in co-ordination with the facility manager. - It is expected that the post-holder will have 50% of time available to carry out a personal research programme that is relevant to the current activities at Boulby. This would likely be in the area of WIMP dark matter detection, but other possibilities, for instance neutrino astronomy developments, are also possible. There will be opportunities to attend conferences and present work as appropriate. Opportunities to teach are available in the department at Sheffield if this is desired by the post-holder. Candidates should preferably have a PhD., a background in particle astrophysics, particle physics or high energy astrophysics. Good communication skills, an ability to work with a wide range of people in a team and to be self motivated will be important. The Boulby experimental site is within a working salt and potash mine which can be a harsh environment. The appointee must satisfy health and safety requirements for underground operations as laid down by the mine operators, Cleveland Potash Ltd. ************************************************************************