Postdoctoral researcher to join the international KATRIN experiment Full-time

Are you ready to take part in one of the most exciting challenges in particle physics and cosmology? The Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences (NPI) is looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the international KATRIN experiment, which aims to determine the mass of the neutrino and explore potential sterile neutrino states through the TRISTAN sub-project.

KATRIN (KArlsruhe TRItium Neutrino experiment) is a groundbreaking initiative designed to measure the beta electron spectrum from gaseous molecular tritium decay with unprecedented precision. The findings will be crucial for elementary particle physics and cosmology, shaping our understanding of fundamental forces and the universe’s evolution. At NPI, we have developed two types of monoenergetic electron sources based on the 83Rb/83mKr decay chain, which are essential for KATRIN’s systematic measurements. While the neutrino mass measurement in Karlsruhe is expected to conclude with current technology in 2025, the TRISTAN sub-project is advancing towards sterile neutrino detection, planned for 2026–2027. Looking ahead, KATRIN++ (starting ~2028) will introduce atomic tritium beta electron detection and differential spectrum registration, improving sensitivity from 0.3 eV to 0.05 eV.

As a Postdoctoral Fellow, you will:

• Analyse experimental data from the KATRIN project.
• Participate in data collection during experimental runs.
• Prepare scientific papers and present research at international conferences.
• Support the supply of calibration 83Rb/83mKr sources for KATRIN.
• Initiate and manage grant applications, leading funded research projects.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in particle or nuclear physics.
• Proficiency in C++, ROOT, and Python, with experience in software development for data analysis.
• Minimum one year of postdoctoral experience.
• Fluent English and excellent communication skills.
• Strong publication record in international scientific journals.
• Technical skills, accuracy, responsibility, initiative.
• Experience in securing external research funding is an advantage.

What We Offer

• Full-time employment (reduced working week of 36 hours/week for risk category A employees)
• Stability & prestigious research environment equipped with top class instrumentation
• A promising scientific career with opportunities to participate in top-tier international projects
• Flexible working hours and occasional remote work (after the probation period)
• Salary based on qualifications and experience, possible half-year bonuses
• Five weeks of vacation plus one additional week for employees in risk category A
• A meal allowance of CZK 115 and access to an on-site cafeteria with a wide variety of meals
• Contributions on pension plans, holidays, cultural events, and more (based on your selection)
• Language courses largely funded by the employer
• Opportunity to apply for Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic employee housing

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit following documents to the contact below:

Motivation letter – Curriculum vitae – List of publications – Three letters of recommendation

Contact:

Mgr. Drahoslav Vénos, CSc., venos@ujf.cas.cz Personal dept.: [Please click the Apply button for the link or address]