Postdoctoral Research Associate

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

Job summary

A prestigious UK university is seeking candidates for a research role in particle physics with a focus on phenomenology and model building. Applicants must hold a PhD and demonstrate a track record of independent research. Responsibilities include preparing research presentations, publishing outputs, and collaborating effectively in a collegial environment focused on equality and diversity. Benefits include flexible working and a supportive academic environment, with a desired start date of 1st October 2026.

Benefits

Pension

Flexible working hours

Childcare provision

Qualifications

• Strong independent research record in theoretical particle physics.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to convey technical material effectively.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver research presentations.
• Publish high-quality research outputs.
• Conduct collaborative research projects.
• Liaise with research colleagues for collaboration.

Skills

Interpersonal and communication skills

Engagement with experimental groups

Collegial environment fostering

Education

PhD in theoretical particle physics

Job description

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 play an important role in maintaining the Institute's research excellence. Applications from candidates with a strong record of engagement with experimental groups are encouraged.

Candidates must contribute to fostering a collegial environment and demonstrate their commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. The successful candidates must have a PhD in theoretical particle physics or a closely related field and have demonstrated a strong record of 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, which holds a silver award, and is an 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 a pension, flexible and/or part-time working hours, a 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 lead 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.

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

Successful applicants will ideally be in post by 1st October 2026.

Please apply through AJO: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31346