Physics and Performance Studies for Present and Future Collider Experiments
Heather Gray, Professor
Physics
Applications for Fall 2026 are closed for this project.
The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the most powerful particle accelerator ever built and researchers use its data to study what the universe was like shortly after the big bang. Researchers at Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) play a key role in all aspects of the ATLAS experiment, one of two main detectors at the LHC. Students who join our group work on a variety of projects, ranging from detector development to data analysis.
There are about a dozen ATLAS researchers stationed in Berkeley at any one time and there are a variety of projects available. Picking one of the general projects listed below does not commit you to a particular researcher or project. Projects and mentors are decided during and after the interview process.
Some funding may be available for students eligible for UC Berkeley's RASE program. Please indicate if you are eligible and would like to be considered. Eligibility for RASE will NOT be used as a criterion for selecting candidates.
We often offer a once-a-week lecture series introducing experimental particle physics research. We expect first-time students in our group to participate if these are offered.
Role: Physics Analysis
The ATLAS experiment is actively taking data — a great time to be involved! Our group leads efforts to probe the Standard Model, including studying the Higgs boson, and to search for new particles and forces suggested by unsolved puzzles in nature.
Reconstruction Performance
Our group also works on the algorithms that make precision measurements possible. This includes charged particle tracking, which reconstructs the trajectories of particles through the detector, and flavor tagging, which identifies jets originating from bottom or charm quarks. These are especially active areas as the High-Luminosity LHC upgrade will dramatically increase data complexity.
Future Collider Studies
Beyond current data analysis, we have a leading role in studies for future experiments, including the Future Circular Collider (FCC) and muon colliders. Students can contribute by developing reconstruction algorithms and exploring the physics reach of these proposed machines.
This work involves writing software to analyze data and discussing results with researchers at LBNL. Many projects involve the extensive use of AI/ML. We can adjust your work plan based on your interest and ability, and reading materials will be provided.
Qualifications: Qualifications: Applicants should at a minimum have taken beginning physics (7A-7B or 5A-5B/5BL equivalent), and have some programming experience (Python or C++ preferred). Applicants with backgrounds in electrical engineering, physics, or computer science are welcome. Exact tasks to be performed will be adjusted based on student background and preference. Expect to work at LBL a minimum of 6 hours/week, with some additional time spent reading background material. NOTE: Due to Lawrence Berkeley Lab regulations, we cannot consider any applicant who is under 18 years of age.
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: Most projects will be located at Lawrence Berkeley Lab.
Related website: https://www.physics.lbl.gov/atlas/
Mathematical and Physical Sciences