Research Associate on the LHCb experiment

The High Energy Physics group at the University of Cambridge seeks to appoint an outstanding researcher to join its effort on the LHCb experiment. The Cambridge group is actively involved in the LHCb physics programme, and has responsibilities in the RICH project, Real-Time-Analysis project and in data processing. The group supports the maintenance, operation and upgrades of the RICH subdetectors, and carries out research and development on the RICH electronics and MightyTracker device with a view to its use in the next phase upgrade of LHCb (Upgrade-II).  The group has diverse interests in the exploitation of LHCb data, searching for physics beyond the Standard Model. Particular interests include studies of rare B-hadron decays and of CP-violating effects in charmless B decays.

We are looking for a particle physicist with experience in instrumentation to undertake research and development for future upgrades of the LHCb RICH system. Experience in the application and characterization of single photon sensitive devices, data acquisition and analysis of data is also essential. The successful candidate is expected to take a leading role in these or other associated areas, and to contribute to several aspects of the Group's activities on the LHCb project.

The post is foreseen to be based in Cambridge with the possibility of long-term attachment at CERN and various other shorter travel where appropriate.

You will hold (or be close to obtaining) a PhD in Particle Physics (or a related area). You will have strong background in detector R&D and in the relevant research techniques in experimental particle physics. You will also show evidence of ability to identify new research opportunities or develop new techniques.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in leadership (or evidence of future leadership potential), experience in taking initiative and/or developing own ideas independently, and experience of working in an international collaborative environment.

You will also have the ability to write reports, present results and contribute to academic papers, as well as to work efficiently as part of a team.

You will be located at the Department of Physics Cavendish Laboratory JJ Thomson Avenue Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.

Appointment at research associate level (Grade 7) is dependent on having a PhD including those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD (in which case appointment will initially be made at research assistant (Grade 5) and amended to research associate when the PhD is awarded).

Please be advised that references will be required in advance of interviews, therefore, please ensure that you provide your consent on the application form as relevant.

Ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 September 2026 in the first instance with a possible extension (funding dependent).

If you have any questions about this vacancy please contact Dr Paula Alvarez Cartelle (palvarez@hep.phy.cam.ac.uk) or Dr Stephen Wotton (wotton@hep.phy.cam.ac.uk).

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.nd

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