02/PHYS-05 - Astrophysics And Cosmology, Earth- Space- And Climate Physics
Uni. Padua
Posted on: 23/07/2026
Deadline: 07/08/2026
Compensation22,699 €
Maximum duration24 months
Axion haloscope data analysis beyond standard approaches: high-resolution time-domain readout and quantum photon-counting protocols
This project develops advanced data analysis methods for two complementary axion dark matter detectors operating in our laboratory, with the goal of extending their sensitivity beyond the Standard Halo Model assumptions. The first activity focuses on a resonant-cavity haloscope equipped with quantum-limited amplifiers. Unlike most experiments, the detector stores raw time-domain data, enabling ultra-high-resolution spectral analyses capable of resolving the fine dark matter stream structure predicted by recent halo models and enhancing sensitivity to QCD axions. The second activity concerns a microwave single-photon counting detector, where the postdoctoral researcher will develop improved statistical analysis techniques to extract weak axion signals from photon-counting data. Together, these activities will maximize the scientific reach of two state-of-the-art quantum sensors for dark matter searches
Selection process
The selection is carried out through the comparative evaluation of qualifications, scientific-professional curriculum, scientific productivity by a Selection Committee appointed by the Director of the structure. The Selection Committee shall be composed of three effective members, including the Scientific Supervisor and/or the Tutor, and at least one substitute member.
For the comparative evaluation of candidates, the committee has 100 points at its disposal, of which:- for qualifications 30 points: degree, PhD, specialization diploma, certificates of attendance of post-graduate specialisation courses (obtained in Italy or abroad);- for the scientific-professional curriculum 40 points: documented research activity carried out at public and private entities with contracts, scholarships or assignments (both in Italy and abroad) relevant to the research activity subject of the announcement;- for scientific productivity 30 points: quantity and quality of scientific publications, including master's or single-cycle master's or doctoral theses;