SuperCDMS Dark Matter Data Quality Research Assistant (2 positions available)

Two part-time undergraduate research positions are available in the Department of Physics at CU Denver with Co-PI Dr. Amy Roberts. Dr. Roberts is part of the SuperCDMS collaboration, an international team searching for dark matter using ultra-pure germanium and silicon crystal detectors, operated at cryogenic temperatures, at the SNOLAB underground laboratory in Ontario, Canada.

Roberts' group is focused on data quality for the experiment. These positions will give students hands-on experience with real particle-physics data: students will learn to build and validate the "quality cuts" used to separate genuine particle-interaction signals from noise and instrumental artifacts. Students will start by developing foundational cuts, such as goodness-of-fit metrics for pulse reconstruction, that are essential building blocks for several of the collaboration's upcoming science publications. As students build SuperCDMS-specific expertise over their first year in the position, they will have the opportunity to take on more advanced roles supporting the group's annual-modulation dark matter search analyses.

Students will work under the direct mentorship of Dr. Roberts and her Professional Research Assistant, as part of a small, collaborative research group. This is excellent preparation for graduate school or a data science career, and past students in Dr. Roberts' group have gone on to competitive Ph.D. programs and data science roles.

• Commitment to creating a welcoming lab environment

• Available a minimum of 5 hours/week every week of the semester

• Must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program and registered for at least one credit

• Prior experience or willingness to learn and become fluent in a programming language (e.g., Python)

• Interest in learning data analysis techniques applied to physics data

• Interest in collaborative work with other people

• Eligibility for Federal Work-Study (please indicate your Work-Study award status in your application)

• Declared or intended major in Physics — although students in other majors are also strongly encouraged to apply

• Some experience with a programming language, including (but not limited to) Python or C++

• Some experience with data analysis or statistics

To keep hiring transparent and fair, applications are scored by the PI (and, where applicable, current group members) against a written hiring matrix, and candidates are compared using those scores rather than informal impressions. Broadly, the matrix scores each application on:

• Meeting the minimum requirements above (a pass/fail screen)

• Availability and fit with the semester's schedule

• Programming and data-analysis experience or demonstrated aptitude to learn

• Physics major or clearly relevant coursework (preferred, not required)

• Federal Work-Study eligibility (preferred, not required)

• Statement of interest and fit with the group's data-quality-focused work

• Interview performance (communication, curiosity, and collaborative approach)

You do not need to have prior research experience to score well — enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to learn matter most.

Student pay category and salary range

This position is a Student Research Assistant position. The expected salary is $19.50/hour – $22.00/hour.

Federal Work-Study award funds may be used for this position. Applicants who have been awarded Federal Work-Study are especially encouraged to apply.

The positions will start immediately and may be renewed each semester, contingent on performance and grant funding.