Postdoctoral position

The role is focused on R&D in connection with the LEGEND experiment, a next generation large scale neutrinoless double-beta decay (0νββ) experiment based on HPGe detectors. The first phase of LEGEND is presently being installed. Commissioning is expected to happen during the next year. This opening is part of the Collaborative Research Center CRC 1258 „Neutrinos and dark matter in astro- and particle-physics.

Germanium based 0νββ decay experiments are designed to investigate the nature of the neutrino and to test Lepton number conservation by searching for 0νββ decay of ⁷⁶Ge. The goal is to either establish Lepton number violation and the Majorana nature of the neutrino or to push the relevant exclusion limits to the neutrino mass scale indicated by neutrino oscillations.

For LEGEND as a next generation 0νββ decay experiment it is indispensable to further reduce the background from radiation with respect to the currently world leading predecessor experiment GERDA. The scintillating polymer, PEN, will be used as self-vetoed structural material in the first phase of LEGEND. The usage of PEN is expected to lead to a significant improvement of background recognition efficiency and hence sensitivity for 0νββ decay.

The successful candidate is expected to take over a leading role in the further development and characterization of PEN as structural material and should push forward its integration into the germanium detector surroundings of the final ton scale stage of the LEGEND experiment. The candidate is expected to actively participate in joint activities of the CRC.

Formal requirements for this position are a PhD in experimental physics. The candidate should have a background in (astro-)particle and/or detector physics. Experience in scintillator and HPGe detector development, polymer research, low background physics and a good knowledge in programming with C++, Root and GEANT 4 are an advantage.

Salary and benefits are commensurate with public service organizations (TVöD Bund). The contract is initially limited to 2 years with the possibility of an extension.

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Further information can be obtained from Dr. Béla Majorovits (EMail: bela@mpp.mpg.de). Interested applicants should submit an application letter, a statement of research interests, a curriculum vita, a list of publications, and arrange for three letters of support to be sent to

Max-Planck-Institut für Physik
Ina Wacker (ina@mpp.mpg.de)
Föhringer Ring 6
D-80805 München
Germany

The application deadline is the 22nd October.

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