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- Tasks: Analyse data from the world's most sensitive dark matter experiment and contribute to its operation.
- Company: The University of Sheffield is a globally recognised institution committed to diversity and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, discounts, and a supportive community focused on your development.
- Why this job: Join a cutting-edge research team making real-world impacts in particle physics and dark matter studies.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent in particle physics; experience in data analysis and communication skills are essential.
- Other info: This role offers potential for extension based on funding and includes opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 52000 £ per year.
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Join to apply for the Research Associate (LZ experiment) role at The University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield provided pay range
This range is provided by The University of Sheffield. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
The Particle Physics and Particle Astrophysics group at the University of Sheffield is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic research associate to work with Prof. Dan Tovey and Dr. Adam Brown on the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) liquid xenon dark matter search experiment at SURF in South Dakota. LZ is currently the world’s most sensitive dark matter experiment. The post-holder will analyse LZ data to search for low energy nuclear recoil signals for WIMP dark matter, and also contribute to the maintenance, operation and calibration of the experiment. Experience of estimation and modelling of backgrounds to low energy nuclear recoil signals would be an advantage. The post-holder will also be expected to contribute to the production of Monte Carlo simulation samples for the experiment. The post is available from 1 October 2025 for a duration of 6 months initially, however it is expected that awarded funding will soon be released by STFC to extend the post by a further 18 months (24 months total). Further extensions are subject to future STFC Consolidated Grant funding bids.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Contribute effectively to the analysis of data from the LZ experiment, with a focus on the search for low energy nuclear recoil signals of WIMP dark matter.
- Contribute to the maintenance, operation and calibration of the LZ experiment.
- Contribute to the estimation and modelling of backgrounds in the LZ experiment.
- Contribute to the production of Monte Carlo background simulations for LZ.
- Prepare papers for journals/presentations in-house, in-collaboration or at national/international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings.
- Write supporting documents to contribute to and support the work of the research group
- Read academic papers, journals and textbooks to keep abreast of developments.
- Plan for specific aspects of research programmes.
- If given a particular hypothesis to examine, plan for your own contribution up to three months ahead, incorporating issues such as the availability of resources, deadlines, project milestones and overall research aims.
- Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over work progress. Supervise research team/activities if required.
- Continuously monitor and check results. The unpredictability of research means that daily planning needs to accommodate new developments.
- Plan several months in advance to meet deadlines for journal publications and to prepare presentations and papers for collaboration meetings and conferences.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn\’t match perfectly with this role\’s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
Essential Or Desirable
Stage(s) assessed at
PhD or equivalent in particle physics or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
Essential
Application
Experience of analysis of data from low background experiments
Essential
Application/interview
Experience of conducting searches for low energy nuclear recoil signals for dark matter
Desirable
Application/interview
Experience of using statistical data analysis tools for dark matter searches
Desirable
Application/interview
Experience of estimation and modelling of backgrounds in dark matter searches
Desirable
Application/interview
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills and experience of delivering presentations
Essential
Application/interview
Excellent team working and interpersonal skills
Essential
Application/interview
Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving and have an appreciation of longer-term implications
Essential
Application/interview
Experience of developing and maintaining a network of contacts throughout own work area
Essential
Application/interview
Ability to work independently to achieve specific goals within tight deadlines
Essential
Application/interview
Essential
Experience of adapting own skills to new circumstances
Application/interview
Further Information
Grade
7
Salary
£38,784
Work arrangement
Full-time
Duration
1st October 2025 – 31st March 2026
Line manager
Professor of Particle Physics
Direct reports
N/A
Our website
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mps
For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Dan Tovey, Professor of Particle Physics: on d.r.tovey@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on Monday 15 September. This will consist of a brief presentation (with a maximum of 3 slides) and interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing Monday 8 September. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact hicks-hr@sheffield.ac.uk.
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What We Offer
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
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Industries
Higher Education
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Research Associate (LZ experiment) employer: The University of Sheffield
Contact Detail:
The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate (LZ experiment)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment and its objectives. Understanding the specifics of dark matter research and the significance of low energy nuclear recoil signals will help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former researchers from the Particle Physics and Particle Astrophysics group at the University of Sheffield. This can provide you with insider knowledge about the team dynamics and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with statistical data analysis tools. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've used these tools in past projects, as this will demonstrate your practical skills and relevance to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your presentation skills, as the selection process includes a brief presentation. Create a concise and engaging presentation that highlights your relevant experience and understanding of the LZ experiment to make a strong impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate (LZ experiment)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in particle physics and data analysis. Emphasise any specific projects or roles that relate to low energy nuclear recoil signals or dark matter searches.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the LZ experiment and detail how your skills align with the job requirements. Mention your experience with statistical data analysis tools and any relevant research you've conducted.
Reference the Job Criteria: When writing your application statement, directly reference the essential and desirable criteria listed in the job description. This shows you understand the role and have the qualifications they are looking for.
Prepare for the Presentation: Since the selection process includes a presentation, prepare a concise and engaging presentation that showcases your research experience and understanding of the LZ experiment. Limit it to three slides as specified in the job details.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the LUX-ZEPLIN experiment and its significance in dark matter research. Be prepared to discuss recent findings and how your skills can contribute to ongoing projects.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Highlight your experience with data analysis, particularly in low background experiments. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully tackled similar challenges in the past.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to statistical data analysis tools and Monte Carlo simulations. Brush up on relevant techniques and be prepared to explain your approach to problem-solving in these areas.
✨Communicate Effectively
Demonstrate your communication skills by articulating complex concepts clearly. Practice summarising your research and findings as if you were presenting to a non-specialist audience.
