PhD Position: SuperNEMO Experiment (M/F), CNRS, France

Summary

The CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) and the Laboratoire de Physique des 2 Infinis – Bordeaux (LP2I Bordeaux) are offering a fully funded 3-year PhD position. The doctoral research focuses on the investigation of neutrinoless double beta decay using data collected by the SuperNEMO experiment installed at the Modane Underground Laboratory (LSM).

PhD Position: Search for Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay with the SuperNEMO Experiment (M/F)

Designation

PhD Researcher / Doctoral Candidate (CDD Doctorant)

Quick Overview

Research Area

• Domain: Interactions, particles, nuclei: from the laboratory to the cosmos (Interactions, particules, noyaux, du laboratoire au cosmos)
• Specialization: Experimental Particle Physics, Neutrino Physics, Astroparticle Physics, Rare Decay Searches

Location

• Institution: Laboratoire de Physique des 2 Infinis – Bordeaux (UMR 5797)
• Address: 33175 Gradignan, Gironde, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

Eligibility & Qualifications

• Academic Background: Master’s degree (M2, MSc, or equivalent) in Particle Physics, Subatomic Physics, Nuclear Physics, or related disciplines.
• Technical Skills:
  • Solid foundations in particle and nuclear physics.
  • Proficiency in data analysis, statistical methods, and scientific programming (C++, Python, ROOT).
  • Familiarity with simulation frameworks (e.g., GEANT4) is highly advantageous.
• Language & Soft Skills: Good communication skills in English, team-oriented mindset for working within an international scientific collaboration.

Job Description

Project Context & Objectives

The neutrino is the only fundamental matter particle that could be a Majorana fermion (identical to its own antiparticle). This fundamental property can be probed through the search for an ultra-rare process: neutrinoless double beta decay ($0\nu\beta\beta$).

The SuperNEMO experiment, hosted at the Modane Underground Laboratory (LSM), combines thin source foils of $^{82}\text{Se}$ placed inside a tracking detector surrounded by an ultra-low-background calorimeter to unambiguously reconstruct and identify double beta decay electrons.

Key Responsibilities & Tasks

• Data Analysis: Analyze real experimental data taken by the SuperNEMO demonstrator.
• Background Modeling: Finalize and constrain the background noise model.
• Physics Measurements: Study standard two-neutrino double beta decay ($2\nu\beta\beta$) of $^{82}\text{Se}$ and search for/set constraints on the neutrinoless double beta decay ($0\nu\beta\beta$) channel.
• Detector Simulations: Perform Monte Carlo simulations using GEANT4 embedded within the SuperNEMO collaboration framework (FALAISE).
• Collaboration & Dissemination: Contribute actively to the international collaboration (approx. 100 researchers), present results at meetings/conferences, and lead the publication of the final findings.

Benefits & Working Conditions

• Leave: 44 days of annual leave and RTT.
• Telework: Teleworking policy and allowances according to CNRS guidelines.
• Transport: 75% public transit subsidy and sustainable mobility package (forfait mobilités durables) up to €300/year.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted directly through the CNRS Job Portal:

1. Visit the official job offer page: CNRS Job Portal – UMR5797-JERBAU-082.
2. Create or log in to your candidate account (Espace candidat).
3. Submit your application dossier (CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation).

Last Date to Apply

Friday, September 18, 2026 at 23:59 (CEST)

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