Direct Dark Matter Detection with the LUX-ZEPLIN Detector and Multi-Scatter Searches for Inelastic Dark Matter

Main research goal covers analysis of dark matter search data from the running LUX-ZEPLIN experiment (performing a dark matter search using long science run data being collected between 2024-26), as well as contributing to the experiment through analysis service tasks such as cut validation and calibration, plus development and maintenance of specific data analysis cuts (namely hotspot mitigation). Main focus is WIMP search at lower detection threshold using ML techniques and multi-vertex BSM physics signals. Also to spend some fraction of time gaining hardware experience through new quantum sensor activity in the EPAP group, possibly supported by lab work at the University of Maryland during LTA, and work on-site after this.