R&D for the next generation dark matter experiment at the Boulby Underground Laboratory

This PhD project will undertake essential research to improve our understanding of limiting radioactive backgrounds for future next-generation dark matter detectors. It will also explore factors relevant to the location of a future detector, in particular whether the UK deep underground science facility at Boulby mine (Boulby Underground Laboratory of UKRI-STFC) in the North East coast of England can be used to host a next generation, large-scale world-leading dark matter detector.

The project will involve research work at both University of Sheffield and at the Boulby Underground Laboratory of the UKRI-STFC. Elements will include the development of essential simulations of background radiation for next generation detectors and methods for understanding and possibly extending the scientific reach of experiments with known backgrounds.

The project will also involve measurements of radioactivity of material samples at the Boulby Underground Laboratory, with support of the laboratory team, and radon emanation from critical materials at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory of the UKRI-STFC.