Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Accelerator Physics

at  University of Oxford

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant at the John Adams Institute for Accelerator Science.
The post is available for a fixed-term duration of 24 months
The John Adams Institute for Accelerator Science, Oxford, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to lead an investigation into the beam delivery system (BDS) for a new linear-collider concept based on a hybrid of classical- and novel-accelerator technology, HALHF. This position will be based at CERN with regular visits to Oxford.
Plasma-Wakefield accelerators are emerging as viable sources of high-energy particles at future particle-physics facilities due to the ultra-high accelerating gradients they can sustain. This technology will be used to drastically reduce the accelerator section of, for example, a linear collider dedicated to Higgs-physics research. However, by reducing the accelerator length the footprint of the facility quickly becomes dominated by the length of other sub-systems not incorporating novel technologies. This position will play a key role in investigating how the geometry of the BDS can be optimised for use in a linear collider incorporating novel technology, such as HALHF.
The successful candidate will lead a design study of the BDS for HALHF. Particular emphasis will be placed on generating a beam-optics design for the BDS using the Compact Linear Collider (CLIC) lattice as a starting point. Beam parameters expected after the final accelerator stage of the plasma linac will be included in the study, exploring ways to optimise (and ideally shrink) the BDS footprint. The results of this study will be included in the HALHF update to the European Strategy of Particle Physics (ESPP) and in a HALHF pre-CDR. Although design will be based around application to HALHF, applicability to other higher-energy plasma-based linear-collider concepts will also be considered.
Applicants should hold a PhD (or be close to obtaining) in Accelerator Physics; have experience of working with the CLIC BDS design; have a proven track-record of high-quality research in large-scale accelerator infrastructures; have experience, knowledge, and interest in advanced beam optics; 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.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to: work as part of an extended team in multiple disciplines and locations, identify research objectives and subsequently conceive, plan and independently execute appropriate activities to deadlines, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach
Only applications received promptly by 12:00 noon UK time on 12 September 2024 can be considered. Please read the “Person Specification and Job Description” before preparing your application. You will be required to upload a Curriculum Vita, a description of relevant research experience and interests and the names and addresses of two referees as part of your online application. In addition you should arrange for the two letters of reference to be sent to kim.proudfoot@physics.ox.ac.uk by the closing date. Applications are acknowledged but not reference letters.

Please refer the Job description for details