Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)

A position exists for a Research Assistant/Research Associate in Experimental High Energy Physics in the High Energy Physics (HEP) Group at the Cavendish Laboratory. The post holder will make leading contributions on two fronts within the ATLAS experiment: the commissioning and operating of the upgraded L1 Calorimeter (L1Calo) Trigger and the searches for massive long-lived particles.  It is intended that (subject to LTA funding being awarded by the ATLAS collaboration to the successful applicant after appointment) the post holder will be based in CERN for the majority of their tenure. Should this not happen they will be based in Cambridge.

The successful candidate will hold (or be close to obtaining) a PhD in Experimental Particle Physics or a related discipline. Experience with programming in C++ and Python is essential along with an interest and desire to work with hardware description languages like VHDL. A willingness to work with fast custom digital electronics systems such as those connected to L1Calo, and a willingness to learn about development and debugging of firmware needed to support L1Calo systems are also essential. The candidate should possess strong organisational, communication and teamworking skills along with the ability to write reports, present results and contribute to academic papers.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent upon having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be uplifted to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Please include a CV, cover letter and the names of two referees 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. 

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 15 April 2026 in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Dr Christopher Lester (lester@hep.phy.cam.ac.uk) or Dr Ed Flaherty (flaherty@hep.phy.cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference KA44923 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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