We invite applications for two full-time, 12-month Postdoctoral Scholar positions in the area of experimental nuclear physics, on direct measurements of neutrino mass, in the Physics Department at the University of Washington (UW).  The base salary range for this position is $5705–$6500 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.

The successful candidates will be involved in two experiments, KATRIN and Project 8, that probe the neutrino mass by precisely measuring the beta decay spectrum of tritium. We envision that one position will involve full time work on Project 8 and one will be a split between KATRIN and Project 8.

We welcome candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, including but not limited to nuclear, atomic, precision measurements, particle, or astroparticle physics. Previous experience in one or more of the following topics is preferred: neutrino experiments, silicon detectors, ultra-high vacuum, tritium gas handling, magnetometry, cryogenic engineering, charged-particle trapping, atom trapping and cooling, RF/microwave cavities and radiation detection, FPGAs, Python, C , Monte Carlo simulation, event reconstruction techniques, and data analysis and data quality assurance.

KATRIN recently set the world-leading neutrino mass limit of 0.8 eV/c², and its ongoing and final data taking campaign aims to reach a final sensitivity of ~300 meV. It is located at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany; the UW is the lead US institute, responsible for providing the primary electron detection system and active in the ongoing data acquisition and analysis. Project 8 represents the next generation of beta decay neutrino mass experiments, using a novel high-precision, low background technique called Cyclotron Radiation Emission Spectroscopy (CRES) to detect the decay electron. Project 8 has an ultimate goal of sensitivity to 40 meV/c² neutrino mass, covering the entire allowed parameter space for the inverted ordering. After recently hosting the first CRES-based neutrino mass measurement, the UW is building a higher-precision CRES apparatus with a new resonant cavity detector geometry, developing a cooled atomic tritium source, and leading design work for Project 8’s future neutrino mass measurement experiments.

The postdoctoral positions will be based in Seattle within the Center for Experimental Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics (CENPA), which provides world-class engineering and technical support. Occasional trips to the KATRIN experiment will also be expected. The initial appointments will be for one year, expected to be renewed on a yearly basis, subject to funding and mutual agreement. The Postdoctoral Scholar title is limited to five years, including postdoctoral experience(s) at UW and other institutions. The preferred start dates would be mid-2024. Postdoctoral Scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.

Applicants are required to have obtained or have completed all requirements for the degree of Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in Physics or a related field before the start of the appointment.

Applicants must provide a cover letter, CV, bibliography, a statement summarizing research achievements and interests, a statement describing the applicant's experience and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and three confidential letters of reference. Please contact Prof. Elise Novitski (facsrch@uw.edu) with any questions about the application requirements. Earlier submissions will be given priority. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The position will remain open until filled.