Did you recently finish a Master in a scientific discipline, and wish to do some research before deciding whether to embark in a Ph.D.? Do you fancy coming to Padova and work with me and a team of physicists, computer scientists, and astrophysicists on detector optimization? Do you like the idea of traveling to Kaiserslautern for significant periods during the internship, to work under guidance of Prof. Nicolas Gauger at RPTU? Or do you know somebody to which the above might apply? Then please read on.
The INFN at the Padova section is opening a 1-year position to work on "Particle detectors optimization with deep learning techniques". The grant (which might be renewable but for now is offered for 12 months) should correspond to a net income of 1500 euro monthly, which is higher than the monthly salary of Ph.D. students in Padova, and corresponds roughly to the salary of a starting high-school teacher. In addition, we envision several months of stay in Kaiserslautern, when in addition to the salary the grantee will receive a significant surplus (paid travel and lodging, plus 60 euro of per-diem).

A one-year research grant like this will not only allow the recipient to do ground-breaking research and publish a few research papers of high impact, but it will also be a powerful enabler to successfully apply to a PhD in Physics or Computer Science at any prestigious university around the world. Nico and I are committed to design a successful career path for the person we hire!

What are the requirements to apply? You need to have obtained a Master-level degree not earlier than December 13 2017, in one of the following disciplines: Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Material Science, Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Information Science, Nuclear Technology, Medical Sciences, Astrophysics, Statistical Sciences. The application deadline is December 13, 2023.

Besides the above mandatory condition, it would be advisable if you had some competence in programming - either C/C++ or Python, because the research work we will do with the winner of the call will involve developing modeling solutions with computer programs.

Besides urging those interested to read the call text (the document here is in Italian first, and then in English, just scroll down), I am available to answer any question on the matter at my email address, firstname (dot) lastname (at) gmail (dot) com (my first name is tommaso and my last name is dorigo).

Of course, if you have previous research experience your odds of being selected increase. But please do not underestimate your chances otherwise: the calls for these positions often go empty, and I do not expect a large number of applications...

If you want to know more about the research area in which this job is centered, you can also visit the web page of the MODE collaboration, which I direct and which includes Nicolas Gauger and collaborators at RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau. You can find further reading material there.

Good luck then!