211-1833/24-2H PhD Project in High-Energy Heavy-ion physics (ALICE Experiment)

Niels Bohr Institute
Faculty of SCIENCE

University of Copenhagen



The Experimental Subatomic Physics section at the Niels Bohr Institute invites applicants for a Ph.D. fellowship in the High-Energy Heavy-Ion Group. The project is part of the research project “Initial Conditions for Quark and Gluon Matter Formation at the LHC,” which is financed by the European Research Council (ERC).

The start date is (expected to be) October 1st, 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project

With the newly received ERC grant, the research group will develop a novel methodology using a new approach, a multi-particle cumulants technique. This will give unique insights into the initial geometric conditions, shape, size, and their correlations and fluctuations. To achieve this, we will measure various collision systems (129Xe, 16O, and proton) during the LHC Run 3. These pioneering measurements, and the resulting new analyses, will decisively advance our understanding of those crucial initial conditions, the platform upon which the analysis of the collision rests. The results of this ERC will make it possible to probe the precise nuclear structure of 129Xe, 16O at the LHC energies, a million times higher than the existing nuclear structure studies in low-energy nuclear physics.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of heavy-ion physics or nuclear physics. The outstanding candidate, with demonstrated initiative and accomplishments, should strengthen and further develop the group’s activities within the study and analysis of flow and correlation in large and small collision systems at the LHC.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

The group’s current research is centered around the ALICE experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. Over the past decade, the group has authored numerous publications in ALICE, including pioneering the first experimental study to probe the time evolution of the specific viscosity of Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP) and the observation of the tiniest droplet of QGP in proton-proton and proton-lead collision systems at the LHC. Additionally, the group is at the forefront of researching nuclear structure through experiments conducted with ultra-relativistic colliders, supported by the prestigious ERC grant.

The group is a part of Niels Bohr Institute, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories at NBI and CERN.

1. Principal supervisor is Dr. You Zhou, Associate Professor, Niels Bohr Institute, Email: [email protected]; [email protected], Direct Phone: (+45) 93 56 36 56.

The PhD programme

A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.

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Getting into a position on the regular PhD programme

Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. particle physics or nuclear physics. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in both PhD programmes

• Complete and pass the MSc education in accordance with the curriculum of the MSc programme

(ONLY when you are attending the integrated MSc and PhD programme)

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision

• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in heavy-ion physics
• Good language skills

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Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2. Your motivation for applying for the specific PhD project/State which PhD project you are applying for heavy-ion physics
3. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
4. Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
5. Publication list (if possible)
6. Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is June 15th, 2024 23:59 GMT +2.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.



Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held held during August 1-15, 2024.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.