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- Tasks: Lead cutting-edge ML techniques for particle physics in the ATLAS experiment.
- Company: UCL, a top global university in the heart of London.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, on-site gym, and more.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a pioneering team and make a real impact in particle physics research.
- Qualifications: PhD in particle physics and experience in machine learning applications.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About us
UCL is one of the world\’s top universities based in the heart of London. It is a modern, outward-looking institution. UCL\’s staff and former students have included 32 Nobel prize-winners. It is a truly international community: more than one-third of our student body – more than 50,000 strong – come from 150 countries and nearly one-third of staff are from outside the UK.
The UCL High Energy Physics (HEP) Group is one of the largest groups in the country (~100 members, including around 20 academics and 40 PhD students), with a programme covering a broad range of the HEP field, including the exploration of the energy frontier (ATLAS), Neutrinos, Dark Matter, flavour physics and phenomenology, as well as Accelerator R&D and applications such as Proton Beam Therapy. Our ATLAS team has key involvements in the exploration of electroweak symmetry breaking, including leadership in the search for Higgs boson pair production in the HHà 4b final state, as well as in a multitude of searches for physics beyond the Standard Model (BSM), and in key Standard Model measurements and their interpretation in the context of BSM theories. UCL ATLAS has been at the heart of pioneering work in developing cutting-edge Machine Learning (ML) algorithms for tracking and flavour tagging, as well as for ultrafast applications in the Global Hardware Trigger of ATLAS for HL-LHC. We also have a leading role in UCL\’s Centre for Data Intensive Science and Industry (and the corresponding PhD training programme), a unique interdisciplinary platform for developing and applying novel ML techniques within academia and in industry.
About the role
We are looking for an outstanding particle physicist and expert machine-learning practitioner to join UCL\’s ATLAS group on a short-term contract, leading the development, calibration and application of state-of-the-art ML techniques for physics object reconstruction in the ATLAS detector. The role will focus on flavour-tagging, including development of an X→bb tagger and charged-particle reconstruction. The post holder will also contribute to the supervision of MSc projects in Computer Science and Scientific Data-Intensive Science on advanced ML applications in these areas, and will play a leading part in deploying these techniques within ATLAS\’s Higgs pair production programme.
Funding is available for up to 9 months. Please contact Prof. Nikos Konstantinidis (n.konstantinidis@ucl.ac.uk) for further details about this post.
About you
The successful candidate will have (or be about to submit) a PhD in particle physics, and a strong record of originality in research, demonstrated by a good publication record, commensurate with the applicant\’s career stage. They will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and will have shown evidence of future leadership potential. Given the short-term nature of this role, experience in developing and applying cutting-edge machine learning models for applications in experimental HEP and beyond is essential.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits, including:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days\’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-Site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London\’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world\’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL\’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our long-term commitment and \’beacon\’ status in advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/
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Postdoctoral Research Associate on the ATLAS experiment (Short term) employer: UCL
Contact Detail:
UCL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate on the ATLAS experiment (Short term)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the field! Attend conferences, seminars, or even local meetups related to particle physics and machine learning. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can introduce you to someone at UCL.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with machine learning and any relevant projects you've worked on. Bring your A-game and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their research!
✨Follow Up
After any interviews or networking events, don’t forget to send a quick thank-you email. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply directly through the UCL website for the best chance of landing that postdoc position. It streamlines the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate on the ATLAS experiment (Short term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Research Skills: Make sure to highlight your PhD research and any publications you've got under your belt. We want to see your originality and how you've contributed to the field of particle physics!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the role, especially in machine learning and flavour-tagging.
Communicate Clearly: Since excellent communication skills are a must, ensure your written application is clear and concise. We want to see how well you can convey complex ideas, so keep it straightforward and engaging!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your particle physics knowledge, especially around the ATLAS experiment and machine learning applications. Be ready to discuss your previous research and how it relates to the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this position, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to present your research or ideas, so clarity and confidence are crucial.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential
Think of examples from your past where you've taken the lead on projects or mentored others. Highlighting your leadership experience will show that you're ready to contribute to the team and supervise MSc projects.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready about the ATLAS group’s current projects or future directions in machine learning. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.