Measuring Neutrino Oscillations with the T2K Experiment

T2K is one of the leading neutrino oscillations experiments and located in Japan. A 500 kW proton beam from J-PARC at the east coast of Japan generates an intense beam of muon (anti-)neutrinos that travel almost 300 km to the Super-Kamiokande detector in the west of Japan. Studying the transition from muon to other neutrinos allows the T2K experiment to make precision measurements of many of the parameters governing the process of neutrino oscillations. Precision measurements have allowed us to find first hints of CP-violation in the neutrino sector.

The particle physics department (PPD) at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is one of the founding collaborators of T2K, providing leadership in the construction of the Near Detector electronics and DAQ and taking a leading role in the oscillation analysis. The particle physics department at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (Professor Alfons Weber), is able to offer a studentship to work on this exciting project in partnership with the University of Lancaster (Dr. Helen O’Keeffe). Lancaster University led the construction of the Near Detector Electromagnetic Calorimeter and leads the development of near detector selections in T2K.

We are heavily involved with the use of near detector data samples to constrain systematic uncertainties modelling neutrino interactions as well as the use of data from both detectors to measure the oscillation parameters. We expect the student to work in one of these areas. Long-term visits to Japan to support data taking are possible, but not required.

As this studentship is co-supervised by the particle physics department at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and Lancaster University and the student will spend time based at both institutions. Further information about the studentship can be found at https://www.ppd.stfc.ac.uk/Pages/Students.aspx#STFC_Students

Please contact Dr. Helen O’Keeffe ([Email Address Removed]) for further information. Students interested in this PhD studentship, should apply to both Lancaster University https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/physics/study/phd/ stating the title of the project and the name of the supervisor, and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (https://www.ppd.stfc.ac.uk/Pages/Students.aspx#STFC_Students). Applicants are normally expected to have the equivalent of a first (1) or upper second (2.1) degree class in Physics or Astrophysics.

The Physics Department is holder of Athena SWAN Silver award and JUNO Championship status and is strongly committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our department.

Applications will be accepted until the post is filled.