Research Fellow

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is looking for a Research Fellow in Birmingham to contribute to cutting-edge research in particle physics. The successful candidate will work on detector development for kaon physics and will be involved in both independent and collaborative research projects. This fixed-term role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity for international travel, including time spent at CERN. Candidates should hold a relevant PhD and have experience in research as well as knowledge of C++ and Python.

Qualifications

• Proven ability in research with quality outputs in experimental particle physics.
• Fluency in experimental particle physics models and techniques.
• Experience with data analysis techniques for particle physics experiments.

Responsibilities

• Deliver research goals of the group.
• Conduct research programs and contribute to proposal writing.
• Collaborate with national and international partners.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical capability

Communication skills

Time management

Teamwork

Education

PhD in Experimental Particle Physics or relevant discipline

Tools

C++

Python

Job description

Position Details

School of Physics and Astronomy

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2027

Closing date: 3rd February 2026

UK and International travel may be required for this role

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within the research programme of the Elementary Particle Physics Group. To work on detector development and contribute to future experiments dedicated to kaon physics. To work on particle identification and tracking detectors, including simulation and design aspects, and on research and development of photon detectors in the context of the DRD4 collaboration.

The Birmingham Particle Physics group has a vacancy for a Research Fellow working on detector developments to contribute to future experiments dedicated to kaon physics. Specifically, the successful applicant will work on development of particle identification and tracking detectors, including simulation and design aspects, and on research and development of photon detectors in the context of the DRD4 collaboration. The post holder will be based in Birmingham and must be willing to travel and spend periods at CERN and J-PARC Laboratories.

The Particle Physics group currently has 12 academic staff, 17 post-doctoral researchers and engineers, 3 support staff and 19 research students. Beyond kaon physics, our present activities include ATLAS and LHCb experiments at the LHC, the future Brookhaven Electron Ion Collider, and non-accelerator interests in direct Dark Matter searches. We operate substantial laboratory space, including a 200 m2 set of clean room facilities, and we maintain a Tier 2 site as part of the UK contribution to LHC world-wide distributed computing.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential.

Role Summary

• Work within Particle Physics research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Work within and support the activities of the Elementary Particle Physics Group related to kaon physics
• Work with local, national and international collaborators to successfully deliver high quality research outcomes
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Take a prominent role in delivering the research goals of the group
• Conduct a research program, defined in agreement with the group
• Fulfil group responsibilities on development of new detectors for particle detection and identification, and in research and development on photon detectors in the context of the DRD4 collaboration
• Conduct individual and collaborative research projects
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Collect, analyse and interpret data related to the research project
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Communicate complex information and material of a specialist or highly technical nature
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the Department and the University
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Continually update own knowledge and understanding in field or specialism
• Ensure compliance with health and safety in all aspects of work
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
• Travel and spend periods at CERN and J-PARC Laboratories as necessary

Person Specification

• Hold or about to attain a PhD (or near to completion) in Experimental Particle Physics or another relevant scientific discipline
• Proven ability in research and evidence of quality research outputs in experimental particle physics
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods of experimental particle physics and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Excellent planning and time management skills to ensure your research objectives are achieved on schedule
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a research team
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
• Experience of hardware, instrumentation and modern data analysis techniques for particle physics experiments
• Proven track record in particle research instrumentation, and computing (C++, Python)

Informal enquiries to Cristina Lazzeroni, email: [e-mail]

Use of AI in applications

We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.