Posting Details

Position Information

Job TitleResearch Scientist IDepartmentPhysics and AstronomyFull Time/Part TimeFull-TimeRequisition NumberS20412Open Date02/24/2020Close Date03/02/2020Salary Information

Salary Commensurate with Experience and Qualifications

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Benefits EligibleYesEligible for OvertimeNoPosition Summary

The Astroparticle Group of Rice University is seeking a research scientist I to conduct research using the XENONnT Dark Matter experiment as part of a new interdisciplinary National Science Foundation project to develop science-informed machine learning and data science algorithms for the physical sciences. The researcher would be responsible for implementing and assessing the performance of new algorithms on XENONnT data related to the dark matter and neutrinoless double-beta decay science cases.
The research scientist I will interface with machine-learning research groups from Delaware and Rutgers to aid development of novel methods, including but not limited to bayesian networks, semi-supervised learning, inverse problem formulations, and random-projection dimensionality reduction. S/he will be responsible for deploying and iterating such new algorithms within XENONnT, specifically within the Analysis Tools working group. Therefore, experience with position and energy reconstruction in particle physics experiments is advantageous, as data science performed in physical sciences is different than in computational sciences (e.g., physics accepts an algorithm based on knowledge of statistical properties of a distribution rather than per-event loss functions).

Education RequiredPhD or other Doctoral DegreeMajor/Discipline

Physics

Substitution for Education RequirementExperience may not be substituted for the education requirement.Education PreferredExperience Required3 yearsType of Experience

Related experience with position and energy reconstruction in particle physics experiments.

Substitution for Experience RequirementEducation may not be substituted for the experience requirement.Experience Preferred

- Experience with Scientific Python stack (e.g., numpy, scipy, matplotlib, scikit-learn, numba)
- Experience with machine learning tools
- Experience working in international teams, including demonstrating leadership qualities
- Experience with particle physics data analysis
- Experience in analysis of physics data and experience developing scientific software
- Experience having applied machine-learning algorithms to physics problems, even if just playing around

License/Certification Required

None

License/Certification PreferredSkills Required

- Knowledge of reconstruction algorithms in particle physics, even more useful if from dark matter or neutrino detectors
- Willingness to work in Python and participate in open source software development
- Proficient and comprehensive knowledge of information management, knowledge management and publication management
- Good interpersonal skills such as patience, determination, flexibility, and decisiveness
- Excellent listening, verbal and written communication, analytical, and research skills
- Excellent scientific and numerical skills with meticulous attention to details and accuracy
- Ability to work in a team environment, to participate actively, to collaborate and to motivate others in the lab

Skills PreferredInternal / External Contacts

Internal: Contact with Professor Chris Tunnell, students, and other department staff

External: Contact with vendors and research groups from Delaware, Italy, and Rutgers University

Physical Demands

Requires working at a computer for extended periods (up to eight hours per day).

Working Conditions

- The group is located in Houston (main campus) and Gran Sasso, Italy (the experiment)
- Office environment
- Opportunities exist for flexible working, though initially one would have to spend time in Houston
- Travel to conferences and collaboration meetings is expected
- Travel to Europe, including the Gran Sasso National Park in Central Italy and travel to collaborators in New Jersey and Delaware

Essential Personnel

Position is not considered essential during a campus emergency.

Rice University Standard of Civility

Serves as a representative of the University, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with other members of the Rice community and with the public.

Security Sensitive

As defined under the Texas Education Code and Rice Policy No. 425, this position is security sensitive and employment in this position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Special Instructions to ApplicantsQuick Link for Postinghttp://jobs.rice.edu/postings/23089 Job Functions

Essential Functions

- Manages research projects and related budgets
- Performs scientific research conducting independent experimental studies, facilitating other ongoing research in the laboratory, and developing and validating new protocols, methodologies, and / or theories
- Communicates the results of scientific research through verbal presentations at scientific conferences and written articles submitted for publication
- Actively engages to improve the laboratory’s reputation and set of scientific capabilities
- Seeks new research grants
- Supervises and / or trains student researchers in the lab
- Maintains a harmonious, safe, and efficient work environment by training new laboratory members in the correct use of equipment, ordering necessary supplies as needed, and coordinating routine equipment maintenance
- Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions or InformationApplicant DocumentsRequired Documents

Optional Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a PhD or other doctoral degree in physics?

   (Open Ended Question)

2. * Do you have three or more years of experience with position and energy reconstruction in particle physics experiments?

   (Open Ended Question)