Job Summary

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Purdue University is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to join our dark matter group and work on the LZ experiment as well as the development of new detector technologies.

LZ is a dual-phase liquid xenon time projection chamber with world-leading sensitivity to major particle dark matter candidates. It also provides sensitivity to neutrinoless double-beta decay, a process that violates number conservation. Our group is involved in many aspects of the LZ experiment, from detector calibration, simulations to data analysis.

The successful candidate will play an active role in analyzing LZ data, with opportunities to improve simulation models used in rare-event searches, develop machine learning methods for background rejection, and place constraints on new physics using LZ datasets.

In addition, the postdoc will lead the development of a dedicated testbed to advance dark matter detection technologies. This work will involve close collaboration with the PI and technical staff to design, build, and operate a particle detector within a cryogenic system, evaluate photosensor performance beyond commercially rated specifications, and calibrate the detector response.

Application Information

The position is available for a flexible start date as early as May 1, 2026. We will begin reviewing applications on March 20, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. 

Applications, including a CV and three letters of reference should be sent to Prof. Qing (Shilo) Xia (xia268@purdue.edu).

Informal inquiries should be sent to Prof. Qing (Shilo) Xia (xia268@purdue.edu), Department of Physics and Astronomy, Purdue University, 525 Northwestern Avenue, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907.