Research Associate in Particle Physics (FASER upgrades and the Forward Physics Facility)

The Particle Physics group at the University of Manchester has a vacancy for a Postdoctoral Research Associate working on detector R&D for FASER upgrades and the Forward Physics Facility, with focus on applications of silicon tracking detectors. FASER (ForwArd Search ExpeRiment) is a small experiment at the LHC designed to study the interactions of high energy neutrinos and to provide world-leading sensitivity to the discovery of new light and weakly coupled particles. It is located 480 m from the ATLAS interaction point on the collision axis line-of-sight and is shielded by 100 m of concrete and rock. The Forward Physics Facility (FPF) is a proposed experimental cavern that could be built for the high-luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC). It would host several experiments, including the proposed FASER upgrade FASER2, that would be able to probe neutrinos and dark matter unlike any other existing experimental facility. The Manchester FASER group plays a leading role in the operation of the current FASER tracking detector and analysis of neutrino interactions using the electronic components of the FASER detector.

The successful candidate is expected to play a leading role in exploring the physics opportunities of various detector upgrades to the FASER detector, and to then contribute to the design and prototyping of such a detector. These detector upgrades would potentially be installed for Run-4 of the HL-LHC or beyond, with a focus on silicon tracking detector technologies. The successful candidate will investigate the feasibility of different proposed detector designs and their impact on potential physics reach (to SM neutrino interactions and BSM physics) through GEANT4 detector simulations, data analysis, and sensitivity studies, as well as working closely with engineers and detector R&D experts in Manchester and elsewhere. The successful candidate is expected to play a key role in the assembly and testing of prototype detectors. The research will feed into applications to external funding bodies and conceptual documents for the FPF/FASER2. There will also be the opportunity to be involved in ongoing Manchester FASER group activities in assisting with day-to-day detector operations, supporting PhD students, and joining in physics analyses. The successful candidate will be based at Manchester with travel to CERN.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for promoting women’s careers in STEMM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) in higher education. The Department is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion and received an Athena Swan Silver Award and we particularly welcome applications from women for this post. Appointment will always be made on merit.

For further information, please visit http://www.physics.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/equality-and-diversity/.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Michaela Queitsch-Maitland

Email: michaela.queitsch-maitland@manchester.ac.uk

Further particulars including job description and person specification are available on the University of Manchester website - click on the 'Apply' button above to find out more

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