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Junior/Assistant Specialist - Pantic Lab

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Position overview

Salary range: $23,400 - $46,800 (Junior); $27,450 - $54,900 (Assistant)

Position description

The Neutrino and Dark Matter group at the University of California, Davis invites applications for junior/assistant specialist position. The primary responsibility of this position will involve studies contributing to the construction and operation of the DarkSide-20k dark matter detector two-phase detector, which will contain 39 ton of liquid argon.

The junior/assistant specialist will participate in and co-lead activities in Assoc. Prof. Pantic’s liquid argon lab in the physics department. More precisely, the hire will 1) help with design of liquid argon detector components 2) maintain technical drawings of these components 3) organize machining of these components 4) perform dedicated tests such as mechanical strength, performance in liquid argon or integration of these components 5) prepare and maintain reports of the research activities, and 6) help with general lab upkeep and ordering of supplies. The status and results of these studies will be presented to a wider audience. The junior/assistant specialist will also work with other personnel including technicians and engineers. Only those selected for the Assistant Specialist rank appointment will oversee the work performed by UC Davis undergraduates.

Major Responsibilities and Designated Areas of Expertise

I. Research in Specialized Areas (90%)
40% Develop, fabricate and test liquid argon detector components. In collaboration with senior group members, organize and oversee (Assistant Specialist only) lab activities of undergraduate workers.
35% Analyze results of this testing and work with colleagues to devise improvements.
15% Participate in weekly group meetings where the research is discussed. Write journal articles and/or prepare posters for presentation as appropriate in collaboration with the PI.

II. Professional Competence and Activity (5%)
5% Participate in appropriate research and educational activities fostering collaboration with other members of the group. Give a presentation at a national or regional conference in particle physics.

III. University and Public Service (5%)
5% Provide mentorship for undergraduate students working in the laboratory.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

For Jr. Specialist: A bachelor’s degree in Physics, Applied Physics, or Engineering plus at least one year of research experience in a physics or engineering laboratory are required.

For Asst. Specialist: A master’s degree in Physics, Applied Physics, or Engineering plus at least three years of research experience in a physics or engineering laboratory are required.
• Experience with computer-based quantitative data analysis is required.
• Ability to write technical reports and scientific articles is required.
• Ability to communicate clearly is required.

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently
• Experience with thermal conductivity and tensile strength testing
• Experience with Python and Excel
• Experience in working with high voltage and cryogenic equipment
• Experience in working with the COMSOL simulation package
• Experience in working with computer-based mechanical design (such as
SolidWorks)
• Experience in working in the experimental physics lab.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter - A cover letter indicating how you meet the minimum and desirable qualifications

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/faculty-equity-and-inclusion for guidelines about writing a statement and why one is requested.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF04498

Help contact: kjscruggs@ucdavis.edu

About UC Davis

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals’ with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. UC Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its community by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment demonstrated through a variety of resources and programs available to academics, staff, and students. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values of UC Davis that are embedded within our Principles of Community and are tied with how to best serve our student population. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service can best be fully realized by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values, which are included in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision, our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400: Policy on University of California Diversity Statement. UC Davis is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers a plethora of resources on their website, and the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) has outlined similar goals in their Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan.” There are a plethora of links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our Administration, Diversity and Inclusion, Rankings, Locations, Native American Land Acknowledgement, Sustainability, Visiting UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and Campus Safety.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

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Job location

Davis, CA