TRIUMF
Canada's National Laboratory for Particle and Nuclear Physics
STUDENT JOB PROGRAM
Summer 2010 job posting
Job number TR10-2-18

Position Title:

Summer Research Student 

Name of Project:

Looking for Dark Matter with Particle Colliders. 

Overview:

Astrophysical observations suggest that most of the matter in the universe consists of nearly invisible particles that we have not discovered yet. The identity of these so-called dark matter particles is one of the most important questions in particle physics today. Many theories of new particles suggest that it might be possible to create dark matter directly in high energy particle colliders, such as the recently completed CERN LHC. The goal of this summer project will be to investigate ways to measure the properties of dark matter at the LHC, and to connect these measurements to astrophysical signals.

Duties:

This project will have two primary aspects. The first will be to learn about known properties of dark matter and some of the theories of new particles proposed to explain it. The second aspect will be to simulate and interpret the LHC collider signals of some of the most promising dark matter candidates.

Skills learned during this work experience:

In the course of this project the candidate will develop a background in particle physics that will be useful for future work in the field, both theoretical and experimental. The candidate will also learn to operate some of the standard computational tools used in high energy particle physics research.

Qualifications:

The candidate must have a strong background in physics and mathematics, and have taken majors-level courses in quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical mechanics, classical mechanics (including Lagrangians and Hamiltonians), and differential equations. Some experience with Unix/Linux and computer programming would also be helpful, but not necessary.

Shiftwork required:

No

Period of work:

May - Aug 2010  
Salary is commensurate with academic progress and previous relevant work experience, and ranges from $ 2080 to $ 2800 per month plus 4% vacation pay.
TRIUMF pays round-trip airfare (this does not apply to Vancouver/Victoria students); for Vancouver Island students, TRIUMF will pay ferry costs.

TRIUMF is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace, and we welcome applications from all qualified undergraduate students as defined below:

  • Canadian undergraduate students or Canadian Permanent Resident undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited post secondary institution in Canada (or outside Canada) who are studying in a vocational or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.
  • Foreign full-time undergraduate students currently enrolled at a designated learning institution at the post-secondary level, and who are studying in an academic, vocational or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate that is at least six months in duration, and who have a valid Canadian study permit which allows for employment off-campus, and who have applied for a Social Insurance Number
  • Foreign undergraduate students enrolled in a recognized undergraduate program of study abroad who have accepted, or are in the process of accepting, an "Invitation to Apply" for a work permit under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/iec/apply.asp

Applications must be received at TRIUMF by 4:00pm Pacific time on 2010-01-25.

To apply for any of the job postings, you must submit one application for each and every job for which you wish to be considered. Please combine all documents into one PDF for each job. All applications can be attached to one email in PDF format. Please do not send electronic documents in formats other than PDF. Please save the PDF as lastname-job number (eg Smith-15.pdf)

    An application consists of a:
  • Covering letter
  • Resume
  • Transcript of all post secondary grades (unofficial copies are accepted)
  • in addition, an online application form must be filled out for each job
    Applications must also clearly indicate:
  • The number of academic terms completed (i.e. terms, semesters, or quarters)
  • The number of work terms completed (or the equivalent)
  • The TRIUMF Job Number must be clearly stated in the covering letter

Students within an university co-op program MUST apply for TRIUMF jobs through their university co-op education office.

Email to:

student@triumf.ca

Mail to:

TRIUMF Student Program
Job Number TR10-2-18
4004 Wesbrook Mall
Vancouver, B.C.
V6T 2A3

No phone calls please. TRIUMF wishes to thank all applicants for their interest, and regrets that only those being considered will be contacted.

TRIUMF is located on the campus of the University of British Columbia.
For more information, visit our web site
http://www.triumf.ca