PhD scholarship in dark matter detection at University of Sydney

Applications are open for a PhD position at The University of Sydney, to conduct research in the field of direct dark matter detection. The scholarship is funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Grant No. DE220100225: "Unmasking dark matter, from the laboratory to the Milky Way". The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with grant holder Dr Ciaran O'Hare, as well as Prof Celine Boehm, on a range of topics related to dark matter (broadly defined).

The research may incorporate any mixture of astronomical data analysis, theoretical particle physics, numerical simulations, and experimental statistical analyses, depending on the preferences and skills of the successful candidate. The work will be primarily supervised by Dr Ciaran O’Hare, a research fellow who is also an associate investigator of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics, and a member of the CYGNUS international experimental collaboration. There will be numerous opportunities to collaborate and engage with other astronomers and particle physicists from across Australia and around the world.

Benefit

The scholarship supplies a stipend of AU$32,662 per annum for 3.5 years. A budget of AU$4000 per year is also guaranteed for international travel via the ARC grant. There will also be a maximum of AU$1500 provided for computing resources by the School of Physics, and further postgraduate research support funding of up AU$3500, subject to application.

Requirements

By the starting date, the candidate must hold a First or Second Class Upper Honours degree or Masters degree with a substantial research component. Ideally, past research experience should be focused towards astronomy, astrophysics, particle physics, theoretical physics or similar fields.

How to apply

The application process will be completed via the University of Sydney's internal system, so please first express your interest in the position by emailing Ciaran O'Hare (ciaran.ohare@sydney.edu.au) as soon as possible with a short personal description, CV, and any other relevant details you have on hand already, for example description of prior research experience, academic transcripts, or reference letters. These are not required to initially express interest, but will be needed during the formal application process.