Research Associate in Accelerator Science (Gas Jet) - Grade 7

The Role: A Postdoc position focusing on R&D into gas jet-based beam diagnostics is available in the QUASAR Group at Liverpool University for an initial duration of 2 years. The post will be based at the Cockcroft Institute on Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus.

Current methods to carry out the characterization of proton and ion beams require multiple systems, each imparting a slight disturbance to the particle beam as it passes by. This disturbance can alter the intended transverse profile of the beam with impact on the quality of experiments and applications.

You will carry out research into the design and optimization of gas jet-based beam monitors and related applications. Specifically, you will contribute to an international effort to build and optimize monitors for the High Luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider, help optimize the use of a gas jet-based beam monitor for application at proton and ion beam treatment facilities and carry out studies into novel microscopy techniques relying on tightly focused Helium atom jets.

Your work will include simulation and experimental studies at the Cockcroft Institute’s *DITAlab*, as well as measurements at national and international research and clinical facilities.

Duties

• Carrying out R&D into a non-invasive gas jet-based beam monitors;
• Optimizing existing prototypes for operation at research and clinical facilities;
• Developing software for monitor control and data analysis;
• Disseminating all research outcomes internationally;
• Exploring and focusing the already identified route-to-market for a gas jet monitor;
• Developing a business plan to guide the commercialization of this system beyond the end of the research project;
• Building and strengthening links with collaboration partners. Opportunities for contributing to grant applications will be given.

The QUASAR Group covers the development and experimental exploitation of particle accelerators and light sources with a focus on frontier accelerators, such as the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and its upgrade programs. You will be expected to work with other group members, partners from within the HLLHC-UK collaboration, colleagues from CERN, GSI/FAIR, the Clatterbridge Cancer Center, CNAO in Italy, as well as industry partners D-Beam and IBA in Belgium.

You should have a PHD in a relevant area.

This post is offered on a fixed term basis until June 2025 initially.    

For full details and to apply online, please click the 'Apply' button, above.