PhD student in theoretical physics (M/F) -- Constraints on the QCD axion from hadronic processes

Descrizione

PhD student in theoretical physics (M/F) -- Constraints on the QCD axion from hadronic processes Sintesi in italiano (traduzione automatica): LAPTh, un laboratorio di fisica teorica del CNRS, offre una posizione per un dottorando in fisica teorica con focus sulla fenomenologia al confine dell'intensità, in particolare sulla ricerca di nuovi particelle leggere. La sede è a Annecy, Francia, e il progetto di ricerca si concentra sui vincoli sul QCD axion derivanti da processi hadronici. È richiesta una laurea in fisica o un campo correlato, con una solida preparazione in teoria dei campi quantistici e fisica delle alte energie. Il candidato ideale deve avere un forte interesse per la fenomenologia e la connessione tra calcoli teorici e osservabili sperimentali o astrofisici. È fondamentale avere buoni voti nel curriculum di laurea e master, oltre a capacità di lavoro in team e autonomia. LAPTh is a CNRS theoretical physics laboratory with a broad range of expertise, spanning particle phenomenology and its interfaces, astroparticle physics, and mathematical physics. The position is oriented towards research in intensity-frontier phenomenology, including the search for light new particles. In these areas, the theory group interacts directly with the LHCb group at LAPP (the experimental physics laboratory adjacent to LAPTh) and with colleagues at CERN (located 40 km away). Title: Constraints on the QCD axion from hadronic processes: astrophysical and collider approaches. Context: The QCD axion is a light pseudo-scalar particle, introduced to solve the strong CP problem — the unexplained absence of CP violation in the strong interaction — and one of the best-motivated dark-matter candidates. Its extremely weak coupling constant places extreme astrophysical environments at the center of its phenomenology. Objectives: The thesis aims to establish robust constraints on the fundamental couplings of the QCD axion to hadronic matter, by exploiting three complementary contexts: the cooling of compact astrophysical objects, detection in Cherenkov experiments, and rare decays at colliders. Methodology: The common theoretical tool is Chiral Perturbation Theory (ChPT), which allows axion-hadron couplings to be obtained unambiguously as functions of the fundamental parameters of the axion model under consideration. Expected profile: The thesis work is theoretical and phenomenological in nature. We identify the following profile and skills as important for the project: a solid background in quantum field theory and high-energy physics, ideally with exposure to effective field theories, low-energy QCD, or beyond-Standard-Model particle physics; a strong interest in phenomenology and in the connection between theoretical calculations and experimental or astrophysical observables; excellent grades throughout the undergraduate and master's curriculum, in particular in courses related to quantum field theory, particle physics, and nuclear or astrophysics. The successful candidate should be proactive, autonomous, and tenacious, with good ability to work as part of a team in an interdisciplinary environment. Annuncio in inglese. Fonte: Euraxess (Commissione europea).