POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE IN PARTICLE PHYSICS (Detector scientist to develop novel sensors for Physics experiments) - Grade 7

The University of Liverpool is seeking to appoint a postdoctoral researcher to support our strong programme on detector development for physics experiments. The position is in the framework of a project funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council Early-Stage Research and Development scheme to support a very ambitious novel silicon sensor concept. It aims to overcome a fundamental technological bottleneck that limits the resolution of position sensitive radiation detectors. In particular, the research proposal targets an improvement of the position resolution of silicon detectors by one to two orders of magnitude with respect to the current best.

For this challenging and exciting R&D we are seeking a device scientist to carry out conceptual design and detailed simulation (TCAD, SPICE) of the novel devices in various advanced CMOS microelectronics processes, working in close collaboration with the lead physicist and the microelectronics engineer designers that will perform the layouts for the new sensors. Besides supporting the conception and design of the sensors, the successful candidate will also prepare the characterisation experiments with laboratory measurements and test-beams in particle accelerators. This implies the set-up of readout and data acquisition (DAQ) systems and data analysis.

The project is carried out in collaboration with the microelectronics design group of the Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK), a renowned research institute in Trento, Italy. A certain amount of travelling and periods at this location can be expected. To support this programme of work, we are looking for candidates who are in possession of a PhD in physics, electronics engineering or equivalent. Experience in silicon detectors, device simulation software (TCAD, SPICE), electronics for experiments and DAQ systems is welcome.

This post is fixed term until 30 November 2025 (with the possibility of extension).

Any applicants who are still awaiting their PhD to be awarded should be aware that if successful, they will be appointed at grade 6, spine point 30.  Upon written confirmation that they have been successful in being awarded their PhD, they will be moved onto grade 7, spine point 31 from the date of their award.