"Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Plasma Accelerators"

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Plasma Accelerators

Particle Physics, Department of Physics, Denys Wilkinson Building, Keble Road, Oxford, OX1 3RH

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Plasma Accelerators at the John Adams Institute for Accelerator Science. The post is available for a fixed-term duration of 24 months (with the possibility of extension).

The John Adams Institute for Accelerator Science, Oxford, is seeking an outstanding postdoctoral researcher to take a leading role in the HALHF project—a new concept for a linear collider based on a hybrid of radio-frequency and plasma-accelerator technology. This project will focus on developing plasma accelerators towards the high luminosities (via increased repetition rate) and high energies (via staging of plasma modules) required for application to particle physics and photon science. The position will be based at Oxford, utilising a dedicated plasma laboratory here to develop plasma diagnostics to map the energy-transport channels in plasma accelerators through temperature change; and explore novel optics schemes required for beam-quality-preservation between plasma stages. These enabling concepts and technologies will then be deployed at world-leading facilities, including CLARA (Daresbury), FLASHForward (DESY), FACET-II (SLAC), and OPAL (Oxford), to perform proof-of-principle repetition-rate and staging experimentation.

The successful candidate will perform duties that include developing/using particle-in-cell computer codes hosted on local and national high-performance computing clusters; establishing all-optical diagnostics to map temperature evolution in plasma accelerators; exploring novel inter-stage optics schemes for proof-of-principle staging experiments; operating beam-driven and laser-driven plasma accelerators; engaging with the group’s domestic and international collaborators; providing day-to-day supervision of graduate and undergraduate students working in the research group; supporting the day-to-day running of the research group and undertaking associated administrative duties; and participating in funding applications and project reporting.

Applicants should hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in physics or a related discipline, ideally including plasma-based acceleration; have experience, knowledge, and interest in advanced accelerators; have a proven track-record of high-quality research at world-leading accelerator infrastructures; experience of finding information and analysing complex data and representing this in an accessible form; ability to work as part of an extended team in multiple disciplines and locations; ability to identify research objectives and subsequently conceive, plan, and independently execute appropriate activities to deadlines; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; willingness to travel overseas for international collaborations and experimentation.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate experience of presenting scientific results and the ability to manage their own academic research.

The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach. This may include lecturing, small group teaching, and tutoring of undergraduates and graduate students.

Please direct enquiries about the role to Professor Richard D’Arcy (richard.darcy@physics.ox.ac.uk).

Only applications received promptly by midday (UK time) on 12 Jan 2026 can be considered. You will be required to upload a CV, a description of relevant research experience and interests, and the names and addresses of three referees as part of your online application. In addition, you should arrange for the two letters of reference to be sent to ppadmin@physics.ox.ac.uk before the closing date. Applications are acknowledged but not reference letters. Please read the “Person Specification and Job Description” before preparing your application.

Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 7
Vacancy ID: 183633
Salary (£): £39,424 - £47,779 per annum

Contact Person: HR Team
Contact Email: recruitment@physics.ox.ac.uk
Closing Date & Time: 12-Jan-2026 12:00