CENPA Job Openings

Instrument Maker

The Center for Experimental Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics (CENPA) has an outstanding opportunity for an Instrument Maker. CENPA is a Department of Energy Center of Excellence with world leading experiments in nuclear physics and astrophysics. These experiments are located at University of Washington’s Seattle Campus as well as across North America and Europe. The experiments involve ultra-high vacuum techniques, high voltages, cryogenics, clean room operation, low background materials, and precision fabrication employing a wide range of materials. The design and much of the fabrication and testing is carried out in the machine and electronics shops and labs  at CENPA.

 

 

This position is for an Instrument Maker III. The successful candidate will perform highly complex, high precision work by setting up and operating precision manual and computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools such as lathes, mills, jig borers, horizontal boring mill, grinders, and drill presses, to fabricate parts for research, academic and medical purposes. Included are the requirements to be able to resolve highly complex design and manufacturing problems such as performing design work from verbal or minimal written instructions to manufacture mechanical devices; determining tolerances and fits on mechanical designs; performing advanced jig and fixture design, diagnosing, troubleshooting, repairing, and rebuilding machine tools and mechanical devices.

 

Responsibilities:

 

  • The work will involve interacting with professors, scientists, engineers, and students.
  • The work will require offering advice and working from drawings that range from CAD drawings to sketches.
  • In addition to fabricating hardware, the applicant will participate in its assembly and initial testing. When necessary, this will include refinement of the apparatus. 
  • This position will also be responsible for overseeing the CENPA Student Machine Shop and periodically providing instruction to students operating the machines.
  • The work will include design, specification, purchase, and building components of scientific apparatus following the general directions of faculty.
  • Use of three-dimensional modeling software, such as Inventor or Solidworks.
  • Writing computer numerical control (CNC) programs using conversational programming language at the machine control or off-line at a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system. 
  • Determine and plan inspection criteria required to prove the repeatable accuracy of high-tolerance components and devices.
  • Perform inspections with appropriate gauges and measuring machines. 
  • Troubleshoot, repair, and rebuild machine tools and/or complex electro-mechanical devices. 
  • Perform sheet metal work and welding, including weld joint design, filler metal selection and general weld engineering. 
  • Perform duties of Instrument Maker II. 
  • Perform related duties as required.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Two years of experience as an Instrument Maker II OR Equivalent education/experience.
  • Proficiency in close-tolerance manual machining, including use of mills, lathes, drill presses, grinders, saws and hand tools.
  • Proficient in CNC programing.
  • Proficient at operating CNC mills and lathes.
  • Proficient at welding, brazing, and soldering.

Intermediate skill level with a CAD program. Inventor preferred.

 

Desired:

  • Ability to make clear presentations, write reports and document procedures.
  • Ability to work successfully on multiple concurrent projects, and to work with a team.
  • Knowledge of the machinability of metals, ceramics, plastics and composites and silicones.
  • Ability to estimate job cost per design and to suggest value-engineering enhancements that minimize time and cost.
  • Ability to document procedures.
  • Ability to carry out load and stress calculations of components.
  • Openness to novel concepts of research apparatus, methods, and procedures and ability to find solutions to problems.
  • Experience with liquid cryogens, preferably including liquid helium.
  • Familiarity with compressors and expanders.
  • Vacuum system assembly, including machining knife edge seals for CF gaskets, vacuum tight welding, and troubleshooting vacuum leaks.

 

Desired certifications (available as University of Washington training courses):

  • Forklift operator safety and certification.
  • Overhead lift operator safety and certification

 

State of Washington job descriptions can be found on the website of the Office of Financial Management at: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/compensation-job-classes/ClassifiedJobListing

 

Search terms:

Instrument maker 2

Instrument maker 3

 


 

 
CENPA Postdoctoral Position in Fundamental Symmetries and Neutrinos

The University of Washington Center for Experimental Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics (CENPA) has two openings for Postdoctoral Scholars to work on the LEGEND and He6-CRES experiments.

LEGEND is one of the leading experiments searching for neutrinoless double-beta decay. Its first phase, LEGEND-200, is under construction at Gran Sasso Laboratory in Italy, and will be taking data in 2022. UW leads the LEGEND data analysis and also performs detector R&D with local test stands. A new Postdoctoral Scholar will be in an excellent position to participate in the initial LEGEND-200 data taking and analysis, as well as contribute to the planning for LEGEND’s ton-scale phase, LEGEND-1000, and the development of additional physics opportunities offered by this unique experiment.

He6-CRES is an experiment to search for scalar and tensor currents by measuring beta spectra from 6He, 19Ne, and 14O, using the CRES technique for determining beta energies via measurement of their cyclotron radiation in a magnetic field. The decay nuclei are produced using our local accelerator. The goal is to achieve record sensitivity for Beyond-Standard-Model weak currents and to develop applications of the CRES technique for nuclear physics.

CENPA is a fertile environment for experimental nuclear physics, with active participation in KATRIN, Project8, Selena, DAMIC, COHERENT, Muon g-2, MuSun, PIONEER, ADMX, searches for deviations of the laws of gravity, and other experiments.

The initial appointment is for one year, expected to be renewed on a yearly basis for up to three years, subject to funding and mutual agreement. The preferred start date would be in the Winter or Spring 2022. The Postdoctoral Scholar title is limited to five years, including postdoctoral experience(s) at UW and other institutions.

Postdoctoral Scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.
 

Qualifications

We seek creative, conscientious, and highly motivated applicants, with preference for those having previous experience in one or more of the following topics: neutrinoless double-beta decay searches, neutrino or dark matter detection experiments, low radioactive background techniques, software development in python/numpy/scipy/numba and C++, particle physics Monte Carlo simulations, data analysis, statistical analysis, radiofrequency electronics, digitization, and fast-data acquisition.

Applicants are required to have obtained or have completed all requirements for the degree of Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in nuclear physics, particle physics, astronomy, or a related field within the last 3 years and before the start of the appointment.
 

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, bibliography, a statement summarizing research achievements and interests, and three letters of reference by email to Profs. Jason Detwiler (jasondet@uw.edu) and Alejandro Garcia (agarcia3@uw.edu). Please contact Profs. Detwiler and Garcia with any questions about the application requirements. Earlier submissions will be given priority. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The position will remain open until filled.
 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.
 

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint). Additionally, the University’s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member’s academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).
 

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements and Information

Under Washington State Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.1, University of Washington (UW) workers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof thereof, or receive a UW-approved medical or religious exemption. This requirement will be a condition of any offer associated with this recruitment. For more information, please visit https://www.washington.edu/coronavirus/vaccination-requirement.
Postdoctoral Scholar – DAMIC-M

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position in the areas of experimental astroparticle and nuclear physics in the Physics Department at the University of Washington (UW).

The UW is the lead institution in the construction of the DAMIC-M detector, which will search for light dark matter particles with unprecedented sensitivity. DAMIC-M consists of a large array of skipper CCDs with single-electron resolution to be deployed in the low background environment of the Modane Underground Laboratory (LSM) in France. The DAMIC program also includes smaller prototype detectors that will begin taking data underground by the end of 2021.

We seek a creative, conscientious, and highly motivated candidate to spearhead the activities in the construction and commissioning of DAMIC-M. In addition, the appointee will have the opportunity to participate in the data analysis of the prototype detectors, and the R&D program at the UW to develop next-generation skipper CCD detectors (Oscura) and CMOS/selenium detectors for neutrino physics (Selena). The postdoctoral position will be based in Seattle within the Center for Experimental Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics (CENPA), which provides world-class engineering and technical support.

The initial appointment is for one year, expected to be renewed on a yearly basis for up to three years, subject to funding and mutual agreement.  The preferred start date would be in the Winter or Spring 2022.

The Postdoctoral Scholar title is limited to five years, including postdoctoral experience(s) at UW and other institutions.

Postdoctoral Scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.

Qualifications

Previous experience in one or more of the following topics is preferred: direct dark matter search experiments, neutrino experiments, low radioactive background techniques, microfabrication, silicon detectors, CCD/CMOS imaging sensors, solid-state device simulations, particle physics Monte Carlo simulations and data/image analysis.

Applicants are required to have obtained or have completed all requirements for the degree of Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in Physics, Astrophysics, or a related field before the start of the appointment.

Application Instructions

Candidates may apply at: http://apply.interfolio.com/93396

Cover letters should be addressed to Prof. Alvaro E Chavarria. Applicants must provide a cover letter, CV, bibliography, a statement summarizing research achievements and interests, a one page statement describing the applicant's experience and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and three letters of reference. Please contact Prof. Chavarria (chavarri@uw.edu) with any questions about the application requirements. Earlier submissions will be given priority. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The position will remain open until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University’s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member’s academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements and Information

Under Washington State Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.1, University of Washington (UW) workers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof thereof, or receive a UW-approved medical or religious exemption. This requirement will be a condition of any offer associated with this recruitment. For more information, please visit https://www.washington.edu/coronavirus/vaccination-requirement/.