Postdoctoral Research Associate in Experimental Nuclear Physics
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Experimental Nuclear Physics

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Experimental Nuclear Physics

York Full-Time 36000 - 60000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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University of York

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and contribute to cutting-edge research in experimental nuclear physics.
  • Company: Join a dynamic School of Physics, Engineering and Technology focused on innovation and societal impact.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements, inclusive policies, and a supportive environment for all backgrounds.
  • Other info: Opportunities to propose and lead innovative research experiments using advanced instrumentation.
  • Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking experiments and technology developments that push the boundaries of nuclear science.
  • Qualifications: PhD in Experimental Nuclear Physics or equivalent, with strong teamwork and data analysis skills.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.

Job Description

Department
The School of Physics, Engineering and Technology brings physicists and engineers together to push the frontiers of knowledge, foster innovation and meet the grand challenges facing society. Our aim is to deliver world-leading research in both fundamental and applied areas whilst developing new technologies that work for the public good, in an environment where everyone can thrive.

As a School, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to our culture and we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture at all levels and across all staff groups and offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, campus facilities and services to support staff from different backgrounds. We are proud to hold Juno Champion and Athena Swan bronze awards, which recognise our commitment to creating an equitable and fully inclusive environment in which staff and students can thrive. We aim to inspire young people to engage with science and engineering through our outreach work.
Role
We are currently seeking a fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA). The post is available from September 1st 2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter) and until September 30th 2027, with the possibility for extension.

This role will contribute to and lead science aspects relating to our current research programme on properties of exotic nuclei and relevant instrumentation and technology developments. Exotic nuclei offer unique insights into the fundamental nuclear forces and are key to understanding how nuclear matter behaves under extreme conditions. We lead cutting-edge experiments at radioactive-ion beam facilities, including GSI/FAIR (Germany), RIBF/RIKEN (Japan) and NSCL/FRIB (USA). Our group holds a leading role in relevant instrumentation developments to be deployed at these facilities. There will be opportunities for diversification of the PDRA role in ongoing detector developments, such as the HYPATIA array (a novel gamma-ray spectrometer for experiments at RIBF, Japan), the TRT@R3B device (a cutting-edge charged-particle tracking system to be deployed at FAIR, Germany) as well as the L3T silicon tracker device. The successful candidate will be encouraged to propose and lead research experiments that exploit the potential of these devices.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

You will have:

  • A PhD in Experimental Nuclear Physics, Particle Physics, or equivalent experience
  • A good overall understanding of setting up and planning Nuclear Physics experiments
  • Excellent teamworking skills are essential and a strong experience with data analysis and simulations is desirable.
  • Knowledge of the Linux environment, scripting languages and coding in C/C++ or a similar programming language and experience with software development and maintenance
  • Experience with high-level analysis of large data sets, data mining and data regression techniques
  • Ability to work independently, organise own work and prepare progress reports and presentations
  • Ability to effectively communicate physics outputs in conferences and collaboration meetings

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Stefanos Paschalis at stefanos.paschalis@york.ac.uk or contact pet-hr@york.ac.uk

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Experimental Nuclear Physics employer: University of York

The School of Physics, Engineering and Technology is an exceptional employer that prioritises equality, diversity, and inclusion, fostering a supportive environment where all staff can thrive. With a commitment to world-leading research and innovative technology development, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative atmosphere. Located in a vibrant academic community, the School not only champions cutting-edge research but also actively engages in outreach to inspire future generations in science and engineering.
University of York

Contact Detail:

University of York Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in Experimental Nuclear Physics

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the field of Experimental Nuclear Physics. Attend conferences, workshops, or seminars where you can meet researchers and academics who are already working in this area. Building these connections can provide you with valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the specific research programmes and projects currently being conducted at the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology. Understanding their focus areas will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your skills align with their ongoing work.

✨Tip Number 3

Engage with the community by participating in online forums or social media groups related to nuclear physics. This can help you stay updated on the latest trends and research, as well as provide opportunities to showcase your expertise and interest in the field.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences in detail during interviews. Be ready to explain your methodologies, findings, and how they relate to the exotic nuclei research at the School. This will show your depth of knowledge and enthusiasm for contributing to their projects.

We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in Experimental Nuclear Physics

PhD in Experimental Nuclear Physics or equivalent experience
Understanding of Nuclear Physics experiment setup and planning
Excellent teamworking skills
Strong experience with data analysis and simulations
Knowledge of Linux environment
Scripting languages proficiency
C/C++ programming skills
Software development and maintenance experience
High-level analysis of large data sets
Data mining techniques
Data regression techniques
Ability to work independently
Organisational skills for managing own work
Progress report preparation skills
Presentation skills for conferences and collaboration meetings

Some tips for your application 🫑

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the specific requirements and responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Research Associate position. Highlight your relevant experience in Experimental Nuclear Physics and any related projects.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your qualifications, skills, and experiences that align with the job. Emphasise your PhD, any relevant research, and your proficiency in data analysis, programming languages, and teamwork.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that outlines your motivation for applying, your understanding of the research programme, and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Mention any specific projects or technologies you are excited about.

Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, prepare to discuss your research experience in detail. Be ready to explain your approach to experimental design, data analysis, and how you can contribute to ongoing projects and collaborations.

How to prepare for a job interview at University of York

✨Showcase Your Research Experience

Be prepared to discuss your PhD research in detail, especially any experimental work related to nuclear physics. Highlight specific projects, methodologies, and outcomes that demonstrate your expertise and how they relate to the role.

✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills

Since excellent teamworking skills are essential for this position, come ready with examples of successful collaborations. Discuss how you contributed to team projects and how you handled any challenges that arose.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Technologies

Research the instrumentation and technology developments mentioned in the job description, such as the HYPATIA array and TRT@R3B device. Being knowledgeable about these tools will show your genuine interest and readiness to contribute.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions related to data analysis, simulations, and programming. Brush up on your knowledge of Linux, C/C++, and data regression techniques, and be ready to discuss how you've applied these skills in past projects.

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Experimental Nuclear Physics
University of York
Location: York
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