Assistant/Associate Professor in Experimental High Energy Physics (LHCb)

Physics World; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in the UK is seeking a University Assistant/Associate Professor in Experimental High Energy Physics. The successful candidate will engage in research with the LHCb experiment at the CERN Large Hadron Collider and teach a wide range of physics courses at both undergraduate and master's levels. Applicants should possess significant research contributions and an ability to secure funding. Flexible start date available.

Qualifications

• World-class research record in experimental particle physics.
• Enthusiasm and ability to teach physics courses at undergraduate and master level.

Responsibilities

• Lead activities on the LHCb experiment.
• Contribute to the upgrade programme.
• Engage with accelerator or non-accelerator-based particle physics initiatives.

Skills

Research leadership

Teaching ability

Ability to attract research funding

Expertise in particle physics

Education

PhD in physics or a cognate discipline

Undergraduate degree

Job description

Overview

The Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics invites applications for a University Assistant/Associate Professor position in Experimental High Energy Physics (Collider Physics).

The appointment will strengthen the group's existing international reputation in experimental particle physics on the LHCb experiment at the CERN Large Hadron Collider, and participate in future initiatives in the field https://www.hep.phy.cam.ac.uk/LHCb.

The successful candidate will have a world‑class research record in experimental particle physics and is expected to play a leading role in the group's activities on the LHCb experiment, including physics exploitation and/or the ongoing upgrade programme. Candidates may bring expertise that is more physics‑analysis‑focused or hardware/technology‑focused, provided that it offers a complementary direction to the group's existing strengths and contributes to the breadth and vitality of its research portfolio. Engagement with future accelerator or non‑accelerator‑based particle physics initiatives is also desirable.

The Assistant/Associate Professorship will be based in the Department of Physics in the High Energy Physics Group, located in the Ray Dolby Centre Building of the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree and a PhD in physics (or a cognate discipline), a strong record of relevant research, show evidence of research leadership (or potential to develop it) and the ability to attract research funding. They must show evidence of enthusiasm and ability to teach a wide range of physics courses successfully at both undergraduate and masters level.

Application Documents

• Curriculum Vitae (CV);
• A full list of publications to which a significant contribution has been made. Please highlight up to 5 papers where you have made the most significant personal contributions, with up to 4 lines of text for each such paper;
• A research proposal no longer than 3 pages, including a brief description (of not more than half a page) of how your research plans might fit with existing activities at the Department of Physics and the wider University;
• A one‑page statement on your approach to teaching and how you believe you can contribute to the Department's teaching programme at undergraduate and graduate level;
• The contact details of three referees.

Recruitment Process

The deadline for applications is 31st January 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be informed towards the middle of February 2026. They will be invited to visit Cambridge during March 2026 for informal discussions with faculty, and to give research presentations. A second visit will be arranged towards the end of March 2026 or April 2026, when candidates will give a teaching presentation, as well as attend for the formal interview.

Position Details

The position is available from 1st October 2026. There is some flexibility on the start date, which can be negotiated at the appointment stage. Register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Contact Information

For informal enquiries please contact Professor Tina Potter, [e-mail]. Please quote reference KA47784 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.