PhD position (M/F) : Precision Nuclear & Particle Physics with Superconducting Detectors

Job Description

Thesis Subject

The SALER (Superconducting Array for Low Energy Radiation) experiment aims to pioneer eV-scale spectroscopy of short-lived isotopes at a radioactive ion beam facility, opening a new pathway for precision searches for physics Beyond the Standard Model. The experiment is based on superconducting tunnel junction detectors operating below 100 mK and is a flagship project at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. In the coming year, SALER will reach a major milestone with its first implantation of a beta-decaying radioactive ion beam, enabling high-precision studies of weak decays. The LPC Caen group co-leads the experiment and is responsible for the development of a state-of-the-art numerical simulation of the detector response.
The PhD candidate will be involved in both experimental and computational aspects of the project, including detector operation, data analysis, and simulation development.

Activities include:
● development of a state-of-the-art eV-scale simulation of the detector response within the local team
● preparation, handling, and operation of superconducting tunnel junction detectors before and during beam time
● data analysis of radioactive decays for precision tests of the Standard Model and validation of simulations
As a natural extension, the student will also contribute to the BeEST and ASGARD collaborations, which use related technologies for sterile neutrino searches and other precision tests of fundamental symmetries.
We welcome candidates with a strong interest in:
● nuclear and low-energy particle physics
● condensed matter physics and superconductivity
● scientific programming (e.g. C++, Python)

In return, the candidate will join a collaborative and supportive research environment within the LPC Caen group, working closely with the supervisor and a team of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. Supervision is adapted to the individual, with hands-on guidance in the early stages and a clear goal of developing scientific independence over the course of the PhD. The project includes substantial experimental involvement, with extended stays (typically around two months per year) at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams during beam times, as well as opportunities for training at other international laboratories and participation in advanced schools. The student will be encouraged to present their work regularly and to develop strong scientific communication skills. We aim to provide an open, inclusive, and respectful working environment, and to support students in building a solid foundation for a range of future career paths, both within and outside academia.

Your Work Environment

The successful candidate will be assigned to the team « Mesures de Précision à Basse-Énergie », within the Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire de Caen (LPCC - UMR6534).
The LPC CAEN, with about 110 staff, is a joint research unit (UMR6534) depending on three supervisory bodies: the CNRS, the University of Caen Normandy (UNICAEN) and the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Ingénieurs de Caen (ENSICAEN). It is located on Campus 2 of the University of Caen Normandy (Campus Côte de Nacre) and is part of the research park of ENSICAEN (www.lpc-caen.in2p3.fr/).


Le LPC CAEN, comptant environ 120 personnels, est une unité mixte de Recherche (UMR6534) dépendant de trois tutelles : le CNRS, l'Université de Caen Normandie (UNICAEN) et l'École Nationale Supérieure d'Ingénieurs de Caen (ENSICAEN). Il est situé sur le Campus 2 de l'Université de Caen Normandie (Campus Côte de Nacre) et fait partie du parc de recherche de l'ENSICAEN (www.lpc-caen.in2p3.fr/).

Constraints and risks

Work involving exposure to ionizing radiation.
Travel within France and internationally.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions