Supervisors: Prof Henrique Araujo (h.araujo@imperial.ac.uk), Dr Christian Wittweg (c.wittweg@imperial.ac.uk)
What is the dark matter in our Universe? The LZ and XLZD experiments aim to answer this question by directly detecting dark matter particles using their interactions with xenon nuclei. LZ at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota is the world-leading experiment in this field. Imperial has a leading role in the construction, operation and data analysis of the experiment.
XLZD is planned as the ultimate 60–80 tonne xenon dark matter detector. Beyond dark matter searches, it will be a multi-purpose observatory for neutrinoless double-beta decay, neutrinos and more. The Imperial group leads the XLZD UK project aiming to host the experiment at the Boulby underground laboratory.
Possible projects include:
- Analysis of LZ data for dark matter or other physics searches. This includes the application of machine learning methods, advanced statistical inference and state-of-the-art simulations.
- Hardware R&D for XLZD in Imperial’s unique xenon laboratory.
- Simulations for the design and sensitivity of XLZD to its many physics signals.
We are looking for an enthusiastic student proficient in particle physics. Teamwork is essential and programming skills (Python, C) are an asset.
We offer the chance to work in a world-leading and international particle physics experiment with a high potential for individual impact. In this project you will gain experience at the interface of dark matter and neutrino physics and develop transferable skills in programming, hardware, communication and more.
The studentship covers a maintenance bursary, similar to standard STFC studentships.
For further information, please contact Prof Henrique Araujo (h.araujo@imperial.ac.uk) or Dr Christian Wittweg (c.wittweg@imperial.ac.uk).