Postdoctoral Research Associate in Theoretical Particle Physics

Department of Physics

Grade 7: - £35,333 to £38,592 per annum
Fixed Term - Full Time
Contract Duration: 24 month
Contracted Hours per Week: 35
Closing Date: 01-Feb-2023, 7:59:00 AM

The Department

The Department of Physics at Durham University is one of the top UK Physics departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students. Ranked in the top 10 in REF2022 in terms of power, 96% of Durham Physics research was considered either to be of “internationally excellent quality” or “world leading”.

The Role

The successful applicants will have an excellent research record in any area of particle physics phenomenology including beyond the standard model physics, electroweak and Higgs physics, flavour physics, model building, Monte Carlo simulations, precision standard model physics, neutrino physics, particle astrophysics, strong interactions and novel computational methods. They will have an important role to play in the maintaining research excellence of the Institute. Applications from candidates with a strong record of engagement with experimental groups are encouraged. Candidates must contribute to fostering a collegial environment, as well as demonstrating their commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. It is essential that the successful candidates will have a PhD in theoretical particle physics or closely related field, and will have demonstrated strength in independent research in theoretical particle physics appropriate to their experience. The candidate will also have good interpersonal and communication skills, and be able to work effectively with people at all levels of seniority and of different nationalities.

The Department of Physics is committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment. It is pledged to the Athena SWAN charter, where we hold a silver award, and has the status of IoP Juno Champion. We embrace equality and particularly welcome applications from women, black and minority ethnic candidates, and members of other groups that are under-represented in physics. Durham University provides a range of benefits including pension, flexible and/or part time working hours, shared parental leave policy and childcare provision.

Responsibilities:

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.  
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.  
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.  
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.  
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.  
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.  
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.  
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
•  To contribute to fostering a collegial working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.  
• To engage in citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.  
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.   

This post is fixed term for 24 months and will end on 30/09/2025.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Successful applicants will ideally be in post by 1st October 2023.

The Requirements

Essential:

Qualifications

• A good first degree in a relevant area of Physics or Mathematics.
• A PhD (or be close to submission) in Physics or a related subject.

Experience

• Experience in conducting high quality academic research.
• Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly ranked journals.
• Demonstrable ability to present research papers at international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.

Skills

• Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
• Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A good strategic fit with existing research expertise in Institute.

Desirable:

Experience

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
• A track-record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.
• Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.
• Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practicals.

Skills

• Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.

How to Apply

For informal enquiries please contact Professor Michael Spannowsky, [email protected] .  All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.

We prefer to receive applications online via the Durham University Vacancies Site. https://www.dur.ac.uk/jobs/ . As part of the application process, you should provide details of 3 (preferably academic/research) referees and the details of your current line manager so that we may seek an employment reference.

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in the University.

What to Submit

All applicants are asked to submit:

• A CV and covering letter which details your experience, strengths and potential in the requirements set out above;

DBS Requirement: Not Applicable.