PhD in Particle Physics and Computer Science

Joint PH.D position on particle physics and computer science

Padova University (Italy) and Université Clermont Auvergne (France) open a 36 months joint Ph.D position focusing on cutting-edge research at the crossroads of particle physics and computer science. The proposed research plan consists in exploiting deep-learning techniques for the design of new particle physics experiments. This is a largely unexplored area of research, made viable only recently by advancements in differentiable programming techniques.

The research activity will be done in the context of the recently created MODE Collaboration which includes an outstanding pool of physicists and computer scientists who collaborate with the aim of exploiting differentiable and probabilistic programming in the optimization of measurement instruments that base their functioning on the interaction of radiation with matter. 

This research program allows to include detectors for high-energy physics experiments, such as those we will design for future colliders, as well as smaller, more specialized instruments for astro-particle physics applications, including more industrial-leaning devices such as muon tomographers and proton imagers for proton therapy facilities.

The selected recipient will have a great opportunity to learn a lot of physics and machine learning by interacting with a stimulating collaborative environment. She or he should have a masters degree in Physics or Computer Science (Statistical Sciences could also work), and some familiarity with machine learning and data analysis. Knowledge of particle physics is useful but not a mandatory requirement.

The recipient of this grant is expected to spend half of her or his time in Padova and the other half in Clermont-Ferrand (except for conferences, trips to CERN and other research nodes, etc.). The position includes an allowance for travel to conferences and research-related activities.

Applications must be sent before May 12th 2021 at 1pm following exclusively the procedure described on this website: https://www.unipd.it/en/phd-programmes-calls-and-admissions

For additional information you are welcome to email the contact persons of the present announcement. (However do not send your application directly by email and please follow strictly the procedure given in the above link.)