Research Associate in Particle Physics

About the role

The Particle Physics Community at Imperial invites applications for a Research Associate position to study neutrino oscillations.

What you would be doing

You will prepare the flagship analyses that will be used by the next-generation Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) to measure leptonic CP violation, while using data from the current-generation T2K and NOvA experiments to test these approaches and obtain the best measurements possible until the next generation experiments are ready at the end of this decade. In parallel you will carry out R&D for the readout electronics and other aspects of DUNE’s phase II near detector. The research programme will be conducted in the Blackett Laboratory at Imperial College, with work also taking place at the experimental sites in Japan, the USA and Geneva as well as collaborating institutes.

These tasks will involve working with a team applying multidisciplinary skills in the general areas of hardware, software, computing and analysis. You will engage in the research activities of the Community by working together with postgraduate students, other research associates and academics. You will also work closely with other members of the DUNE, T2K and NOvA UK and international communities. You will also help to produce independent and original research within the Particle Physics Community, submit publications to conferences and refereed journals, and help with the administration of the Community.

What we are looking for

You will hold a PhD* in experimental particle physics or have an equivalent level of professional qualifications and experience.

You must have the following essential criteria:

• Experience of data analysis for particle-physics like applications, including statistical analysis and simulations
• Experience of software development and use, particularly C++
• A strong record of contributions to a major experimental particle physics project
• Demonstrated ability of planning work of a small team, of developers or scientists, of varied expertise, defining milestones and ensuring results are achieved
• Experience in taking initiative and/or developing own ideas independently
• Flexibility to adapt to an evolving environment and to work in teams, both as the leader or as a member

In addition, it would be desirable if you had:

• Experience of working on the design or construction of particle physics detector systems
• Experience with design and development of FPGA-based electronics including VHDL firmware
• Experience of working in the environment of a large international science collaboration
• Familiarity with machine learning techniques

For a full list see the job description

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
• At Imperial, we highly value our postdocs and are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. The Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI) serves as a central hub, offering a wide range of resources, training, and guidance. Through ECRI, you'll benefit from tailored development opportunities—including mentoring, skills workshops, and networking events—all designed to support your growth and long-term career success.

Further information

This position is available immediately for up to 2 years in the first instance with possibility of extension.

You will be based in London but with possible time at particle physics laboratories in the USA, Japan or Geneva.. Other UK and international travel is likely to be required.

• Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £43,863 - £47,223 per annum.

The Particle Physics Community at Imperial maintains a strong international profile through its strategic leadership in the design, construction, and scientific exploitation of leading particle physics experiments. Our active experimental research programme spans a broad range of initiatives, including the T2K, Super-Kamiokande and future Hyper-Kamiokande experiments in Japan; the short baseline neutrino programme at Fermilab, the future neutrino oscillation experiment DUNE at Fermilab and SURF in the USA; the search for charged lepton flavour violation with COMET in Japan; the CMS and LHCb experiments at the LHC; the search for dark matter with the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment in the USA and the future XLZD experiment; the Atom Interferometer Observatory and Network (AION) project in the UK and the USA; Antimatter spectroscopy, MICE, and SHiP activities. We actively contribute to the development of future experiments and impact through the application of particle physics technologies. There are also significant accelerator, phenomenology and Grid computing programmes. As hosts to two Imperial College Centres of Excellence-namely, the Centre for Clinical Application of Particles and the Centre for High-Throughout Digital Electronics and Machine Learning - we demonstrate a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.

Visit our webpages for more information about the Department of Physics and the Particle Physics Community.

For further information about the position contact:
Dr. Patrick Dunne – p.dunne12@imperial.ac.uk
Prof. Alex Tapper (providing paternity leave cover for Patrick) – a.tapper@imperial.ac.uk

For queries regarding the application process contact:
Paula Brown, Section Administrator – paula.brown@imperial.ac.uk

The Department of Physics is proud to be an IoP JUNO Practitioner and to hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and high-achieving community. We strive to create a welcoming environment for everyone and have introduced a range of initiatives to encourage collaboration, inclusivity, and professional development.

We value the strength that comes from diverse perspectives and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who identify as female and those who consider themselves underrepresented in physics.

Available documents