MPhil / PhD Studentship In Data Intensive Science With The ALICE Experiment At Cern

The ALICE experiment is collecting data of increased precision and reach, pursuing rare signals from the quark-gluon plasma. It has expanded its capability for collecting data and established a data processing pipeline that decides which data to keep, processes it in near real time and exports a condensed form for further reconstruction, These datasets are still of order 100 PB and are distributed over a worldwide computing grid for analysis by the user community. Further developments are still required and possible areas for this in the project include; the decision over which events to retain, known as triggering; the detection of anomalous detector conditions, affecting data taking; the efficient use of computing capacity by the users, through the development of new tools; the performance of algorithms for reconstruction and analysis, leading to final scientific results. Approaches to many of these developments are likely to involve machine learning or Al. At all stages collaboration with other members of the team or wider groups is essential.

Who is this suited to?

The ideal candidate should have a good background in one of the areas of physics and computer science and a strong interest in the other, as well as the overall programme of research. Some previous programming experience is expected. A good undergraduate degree with research experience is required, preferably from a 4-year programme e.g. MPhys, MSci, MCompSci, or exceptionally from a BSc with a strong individual research component. Alternatively an MSc degree from a relevant area such as data science may demonstrate your aptitude for research.