Postdoctoral Researcher- Dark matter

Discover TRIUMF, Canada's particle accelerator centre. We are a publicly funded, not-for-profit research lab that is a hub for discovery and innovation.

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BASIC FUNCTION:

The position is to play a leading role in the implementation of the data acquisition (DAQ) system for the DarkSide-20k experiment located at LNGS in Italy, about 2 hours’ drive east of Rome. TRIUMF is indeed responsible for delivering the the DAQ system of DarkSide-20k, designed to search for the interactions of particles that may account for the dark matter content of the universe, in liquid Argon. The DarkSide-20k experiment is being constructed. The DAQ system involves the complete readout chains handling more than 10,000 analog signals, digitizing them, and extracting the relevant features at the waveform and event level.

This position will also involve a major contribution to either the physics reconstruction in DarkSide-20k or to the development of digital Single Photon Detectors for future liquid Argon experiments. The physics contribution involves developing a complete understanding of the background sources expected in DarkSide-20k and playing a significant role in the simulation and reconstruction effort. This effort will then be translated into the DAQ on-the-fly data reduction software that must run with high efficiency and high fidelity (do not remove data of interest).

The detector development contribution of the position includes a contribution to next generation detector development for dark matter search. TRIUMF is developing digital avalanche detector technology with application to ARGO, an experiment designed to follow DarkSide-20k with 10 times larger mass, and to the direct detection of Dark matter interactions in silicon with a single electron threshold. TRIUMF is one of the leading laboratory for the development of digital Single Photon Avalanche Diode solutions for use in astro-particle physics, and this position would be responsible for developing the liquid Argon side of the program and participate to the CERN DRD2 collaboration. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Play a leading role in the development of the infrastructure for DarkSide-20k data acquisition system
• Play a major role in ensuring that DarkSide-20k on-the-fly data reduction scheme meets specifications, optionally contributing to assessing the physics capabilities of the experiments.
• Play a (optionally leading) role in the development of new photon detection technology for use in liquid Argon as part of the ARGO project and within the CERN DRD2 collaboration.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Supervision of students is possible. We currently have one graduate student and occasional undergraduate students. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

The incumbent must have some experience about photon and ionizing radiation detectors. In more details and be familiar with detector readout systems: 

• Ability to relocate to Italy for at least 3 months is required
• Experience in data analysis
• Excellent experience in statistics
• Experience in Astro-particle, particle physics, or related field. 
• Experience in dark matter search is an asset.
• Experience in operating single photon avalanche diode (SiPMs or similar technology) is a major asset
• Expertise is data acquisition systems is a major asset
• Demonstrated sense of timeliness in completing tasks
• Resourceful and show initiative in his/her work
• Eager to contribute to the project with a positive attitude. Good team player.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

A PhD (received within 5 years) in physics or engineering associated with sensor or readout system development

Role Type:  Individual Contributor

Work Hours: 35 hours per week

Total Rewards

At TRIUMF, we value our employees and are committed to providing a competitive total rewards package. We offer comprehensive benefits that promote the well-being and security of our staff and provide an excellent opportunity to grow your career in a high-profile national research facility, where you can make a difference.

Salary Information: $65,000 - 76,000

Benefits Information:

• TRIUMF paid dental, extended health, vision care, emergency travel assistance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Life Insurance, and supplementary Wellness Benefits.
• Excellent Employee Pension Plan
• Disability benefits, and optional additional Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Generous time away
• Maternity and paternity leaves and top-ups

Postdoctoral applications must:

• Upload cover letter, brief statement of research interests, detailed CV with a list of publications 

• Arrange for 3 letters of reference sent directly to recruiting@triumf.ca and include JR number (JRXXXXXX) in subject line

Application closing date:

March 22, 2026

Apply now and be part of our extraordinary journey.

Learn more about the amazing research and work we do at TRIUMF.

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Equity, diversity, and inclusion are integral to excellence and enhance our ability to create knowledge and opportunity for all. Together, we are committed to building an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the voices of our employees, students, partners, and the people and communities we serve.

As an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalised on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Contact information:
Email: recruiting@triumf.ca
Phone: 604.222.1047
Fax: 604.222.3791

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TRIUMF is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) People, who for millennia have passed on their culture, history, and traditions from one generation to the next on this site.