Search for new physics in events with a Z boson and missing energy

We search for new physics in the dilepton final state of Z plus two or more jets plus missing transverse energy (\MET). The search is performed using LHC data at a center of mass energy $\sqrt{s}=7$ TeV recorded by the CMS detector corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 0.98 fb$^{-1}$. The Z boson is reconstructed in its decay to $e^+e^-$ or $\mu^+\mu^-$, and the signal regions are defined using requirements of large \MET. We use data driven techniques to predict the standard model backgrounds. No evidence for an excess in the signal regions is observed, and the results are used to place upper limits on the non-SM contributions to the yields in the signal regions and to make model dependent limits on benchmark new physics scenarios. %We also make model dependent limits on LM4 and LM8, from which we conclude that LM4 is ruled out. Additional information is provided to allow testing whether specific models of new physics are excluded by these results.