Experimental Particle Physicist on the ATLAS experiment Didcot, England
Job description
Salary: Band D or E £31,931 - £34,709 - £39,748 - £44,166 (Dependent on Experience)
Benefits: 30 days holiday + 10.5 bank holidays + defined average salary pension
Contract: 3-year fixed term contract, with expectations of an extension.
Location: STFC - Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxfordshire.
Hours: Full Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)
Closing date for applications is Friday 2nd June 2023
Come and do the kind of science that made you want to become a scientist. Explore the unknown and get to grips with the biggest challenges in Big Science. And, alongside world class engineers and technologists, use everything you've learnt to find real-answers that shape society and improve lives.
Put simply, discover the kind of impact you can make when you work with some of the best facilities and brightest scientists in the world.
About Us
The Particle Physics Department (PPD) at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) of Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), is one of the largest Particle Physics groups in the UK. We design, construct and operate some of the most sensitive scientific instruments in the world, collaborating with partners in academia, industry and international laboratories such as CERN. We currently work with the ATLAS, CMS, LHCb, DUNE, Hyper-K, T2K, MICE, Lux-Zeplin, DEAP-3600, CERN RD50, Electron Ion Collider and AION collaborations. The PPD ATLAS group plays a key role in the High Level Trigger (HLT), Level 1 Calorimeter Trigger and ITk projects, as well as physics data analysis.
About the role
Applications are invited for two physicists to join the ATLAS High Level Trigger (HLT) group within the Particle Physics Department (PPD). The PPD HLT group has long-standing experience and expertise on triggering and track reconstruction. The successful applicants will help maintain the operation of the current trigger during data taking and develop new triggers for the Phase II upgrade with an emphasis on fast track reconstruction and triggers exploiting track information. This will include developing tracking software for CPU and the use of accelerated computing technologies, GPUs and possibly FPGAs. In addition, you will be able to contribute to physics data analysis at the level of 10-20%. You will work closely with physicists in PPD and be part of the international ATLAS collaboration.
The role will include
Working as part of the PPD ATLAS HLT Group to maintain the operation of the current trigger during data taking and develop new triggers for the Phase II upgrade including investigating the use of next generation computing techniques to solve the computing challenges. The post is based at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory but will include travel to CERN and elsewhere for meetings and to take shifts at CERN. There could be the possibility of a longer term attachment at CERN later in the post.
About You
A doctorate (DPhil or PhD) in experimental particle physics or a related field or be about to receive a doctorate in particle physics
A strong background in programming with an emphasis on C++ and Python, and an interest in future computing R&D. Experience programming GPUs or FPGAs would be helpful.
The ability to undertake original research and work with a large international collaboration.
Experience of the development and operation of triggers in particle physics experiments is desirable.
Good communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential as interaction with a wide range of scientists and project members will be required.
For recruitment at band E you should have at least 3 years postdoctoral experience including experience of trigger systems in particle physics and some management/coordination responsibility.
Essential
A doctorate (DPhil or PhD) in experimental particle physics or a related field or be about to receive a doctorate in particle physics
A strong background in programming with an emphasis on C++ and Python
Experience with Linux
An interest in the challenges of efficient computation
Ability to undertake original research
High degree of self-motivation with the ability to work independently and on several activities in parallel
Fluent English and good communication skills, both verbal and written, ability to work effectively with a wide range of scientists and project members
Ability and willingness to acquire required knowledge
Willingness to work at RAL and undertake travel to CERN and elsewhere
Desirable
At least one of the following would be helpful.
Experience of operation of triggers in particle physics experiments
Experience of software development for particle physics experiments
Experience with large software projects
Experience of performance characterisation and optimisation of software
Knowledge and experience of tracking techniques and software
Experience of programming for accelerators, GPU or FPGA
How to Apply
Applications should consist of a CV and a covering letter explaining why you are suited to this position. Your three references should also be uploaded on the careers portal at the point of application or emailed directly to Dr John Baines ([email protected]), Dr. Julie Kirk ([email protected]) or Prof. Steven McMahon ([email protected]).
Employee Benefits
We are offering a 3 year FTC with 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.
Excellent learning and development opportunities.
We are committed to sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are invested in creating an environment that is welcoming and supportive of all, to help us achieve the highest possible standards in our work and organisation together. In this regard, we encourage applications from under-represented groups.
We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.
What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible.
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.
