Research Fellow in Particle Physics

Overview

The University of Sheffield ATLAS group has an exciting opportunity for a Research Fellow in Particle Physics to join our effort in the construction of silicon strip detector modules for the ATLAS Phase-II tracker upgrade, the commissioning of the new detector and the detector development for future experiments alongside conducting physics measurements at the High Energy Frontier within the Sheffield ATLAS group remit (Higgs, Standard Model). You will supervise the work of a technician as well as graduate students in the project. We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate that is keen to develop and contribute to a sustainable research programme within the group and take over related responsibilities and leadership. There is the expectation to be involved in funding applications which could lead to the opportunity to (co-)supervise research associates / post-doctoral researchers.

As such you will need a PhD in particle physics or a related field with relevant experience in software (e.g. C++, python, Root, Athena, GEANT4) and a track record of successful work within particle physics collaborations. You should have a track-record of contributing and leading publications regarding your research.

You will be based in Sheffield, with frequent travel to CERN and other laboratories required.

The Sheffield ATLAS group consists of five academics and has played a key role in the successful construction, commissioning and operation of the ATLAS SCT detector. Our particular strengths lie in searches for SUSY particles, measurements of SM diboson processes sensitive to new physics and of the Higgs boson and related performance studies.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Strong Involvement in the day-to-day silicon module production and organisation. This includes:
• Performing reception and metrology tests on raw components for silicon detector modules and on the finished module
• Wire-bonding silicon detector modules
• Performing standardised tests on completed silicon detector modules using a data acquisition system
• Taking on leadership responsibilities in ITk module production and subsequent installation on the ATLAS-UK or ATLAS-wide level
• Leading the group’s participation in the R&D programme for the next generation of detectors (DRD3 and DRD8)
• International leadership in early ITk detector commissioning and alignment using cosmic-ray muons and the first Run-4 collision data using a Kalman filter techniques
• Leading contributions to physics analysis within ATLAS, for example H → μμ, diboson or di-Higgs measurements.
• Determine research objectives and initiate and implement a programme of research. This may include managing time, materials, finance and equipment.
• Disseminate research findings / results through the production of papers for high quality journals and presentations
• Identify and generate appropriate sources of funding and prepare research proposals for funding bodies
• Apply for, manage or co-manage external research funding over a period of grant(s). Prepare at least one grant application with Research Associate staffing and one without over the period of the post.
• Utilise research grants, report research budget management across relevant projects
• Provide support to senior colleagues for research proposals and funding applications
• Involvement in professional activities such as refereeing papers, editing journals, refereeing research grants, external examining, organising conferences, committee membership and involvement with professional bodies on accreditation.
• Supervise or co-supervise undergraduate / postgraduate project students and/or PhD students. Manage Research Assistant(s) and/or Research Associate(s) if requested.
• Delegate and monitor the work of research students.
• Deal with reactive requests relating to supervising research staff and students.
• Participate in consortium meetings and seminars
• Plan several months in advance to meet deadlines for journal publications and to prepare presentations and papers for collaboration meetings and conferences.
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria | Essential or desirable | Stage(s) assessed at

PhD or equivalent experience in particle physics or a related discipline | Essential | Application

Experience with silicon detector construction, testing and operation | Essential | Application/interview

Experience of using and writing C++ and Python and using the ROOT or Athena frameworks | Essential | Application/interview

Experience of data analysis at the LHC (ideally in the areas of Higgs to leptons, di-Higgs or diboson measurements) | Essential | Application/interview

Previous working experience within the ATLAS collaboration | Desirable | Application

Excellent team working and interpersonal skills as well as experience of developing and maintaining a network of contracts throughout your own work area. | Essential | Application/interview

Good communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations | Essential | Application/interview

Evidence of writing academic papers or equivalent reports and experience in the dissemination of research outcomes | Essential | Application/interview

Ability and experience to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities with a range of project management approaches | Essential | Application/interview

Ability to work independently to achieve specific goals within tight deadlines | Essential | Application/interview

Previous experience in supervising technical staff and graduate students | Desirable | Application/interview

Further Information

Grade | 8

Salary | £49,798

Work arrangement | Full-time

Duration | [1 November 2026 to 31 March 2028]

Line manager | Senior Lecturer in Experimental Particle Physics

Direct reports | Technical staff

Right to work in the UK | If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.

Our website | sheffield.ac.uk

For informal enquiries about this job contact Kristin Lohwasser, Senior Lecturer in Experimental Particle Physics: on k.lohwasser@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place mid-November. This will consist of a presentation followed by a discussion and interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage at the beginning of December. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mps-staffing@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
• paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
• access to menopause support in the workplace
• paid time off and support for fertility treatment
• and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.