LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) is a high-sensitivity dark matter experiment based on dual-phase xenon technology. It is currently operating in the deep underground laboratory at SURF (South Dakota, USA). LZ is sensitive to dark matter particles predicted by many leading theories of new physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics, such as supersymmetry. The particle physics and particle astrophysics (PPPA) group at the University of Sheffield has been involved in the LZ experiment since 2013 with a prime responsibility for developing software for modelling and data analysis, simulation and understanding of background radiations.
The PhD project will involve analysing data from the LZ experiment, focused on the search for low-energy nuclear recoils from dark matter particle scattering and understanding background events that can mimic or obscure the signal. Remote shifts to monitor detector operation and data quality will be required. The student will also have the opportunity to spend a longer period of time (4–12 months) in the USA participating in detector operation.
This project will include an opportunity to contribute to the design of XLZD – a next generation dark matter experiment based on dual-phase xenon technology. Sheffield is heavily involved in design studies for XLZD, and in a UK effort to promote Boulby Mine (North Yorkshire) as host laboratory for the experiment.
Candidates who are interested in multiple projects within our group need only register their interest once and will be considered for all projects in which they have an interest. You will need to put down a named supervisor, please use Kristin Lohwasser and Trevor Vickey as contact persons.
The projects are open to home and international candidates but international students may need to secure funding to pay fees and living expenses. Applications for funded places should be submitted before 31 January 2026 in order to guarantee that they will be considered.
For further Information, please email k.lohwasser@sheffield.ac.uk and T.Vickey@sheffield.ac.uk or look at the University’s website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/phd.
Further Information on the Particle Physics group in Sheffield and our projects can be found here: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mps/research/physics/particle