Accelerator Physicist

Job Title: Accelerator Physicist 

Salary: Band D: £42,840 to £47,124 or at Band E: £53,818 to £59,199 (dependent on skills and experience)

Hours: Full time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

Contract Type: Fixed Term- 24 months

Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire

The ISIS neutron and muon source synchrotron provides one of the highest power proton sources in the world. The Novel Beams team is charged with developing the next generation of accelerator technologies to support ISIS and the broader accelerator science community. 

Our team is delivering novel accelerator techniques like Fixed Field Alternating Gradient (FFAs) accelerators. We also develop high-brightness muon beam techniques for materials science and the next-generation collider that will follow the end of operation of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. One of our key tools is OPAL, a particle tracking code that we are developing in collaboration with PSI and other accelerator institutes around the world.

This is where we need your help! 

We would like to extend the capabilities of OPAL to simulate the ISIS synchrotron and novel FFA accelerators to complement our existing suite of accelerator modelling tools. You will be an exceptional computational scientist with strong interest in software development with deep knowledge of physics, ideally including knowledge of particle accelerator simulation. It is natural within the remit of our group to explore new accelerator concepts, so we hope you will have lots of ideas for your own research. Support of ISIS operation, including gathering data for model validation, will be an important part of this task. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to spend extended periods at PSI working with the Accelerator Modelling and Advanced Simulation group.

Personal Specification

The below will be reviewed at Shortlisting and Interview stage:

• A PhD in physics, mathematics, computer science or a closely related subject. (S&I)
• Understanding of fundamental concepts in maths and physics. Additionally to be considered for a Band E, an application to particle accelerators.(S&I)
• Experience of software development. Additionally to be considered for a Band E, experience using C++ and knowledge of high performance computing. (S&I)
• Awesome creativity, with an open attitude to new ideas. (I)
• A friendly but determined approach to team working and collaboration with ISIS, national and international colleagues.(I)

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Chris Rogers, [email protected] (Novel Beams section leader).

Our Benefits

STFC provides a whole host of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days)
• Flexible working hours.
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme
• Employee shopping/travel discounts
• Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

To view more about ISIS please visit https://www.isis.stfc.ac.uk/Pages/home.aspx

Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact [email protected] 

Employees applying for any opportunity which may mean being away from your substantive role for a temporary period of time, please refer to the Recruitment Policy and associated guidance (https://www.ukri.org/publications/uk-research-and-innovation-recruitment-policy/ukri-recruitment-policy/) for further information in the first instance. If you are made an offer, please ensure you liaise with your line manager and the designated HR team as soon as possible in order that implications of any move are clear and understood, prior to a move taking place. 

About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) 

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel.

We’re a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don’t, ask questions that others won’t, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it’s at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It’s very often ground-breaking. And it’s endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.

For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/ 

You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/ 

About UK Research Innovation (UKRI) 

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. 

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation. 

More information can be found at www.ukri.org. 

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

How we support EDI in the workforce 

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’. 

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 

How to apply 

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application. 

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us. 

Additional Information

• Organisation: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
• External Closing Date: Oct 6, 2024
• Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 42,840
• Hours: Full-time

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