Research Associate

Job Purpose

The Glasgow ATLAS group is seeking applicants to make leading contributions to the ATLAS experiment. The group has strong analysis activities in Higgs boson physics, top quark physics and Standard Model measurements. The group is also heavily involved in the operation and upgrade of the ATLAS detector, through contributions to the ATLAS trigger, simulation and the ITK. The successful candidate will be expected to lead novel analyses in Higgs boson physics, including top-associated Higgs production. You will help in the formulation and submission of research publications and future research proposals. The successful candidate will also help supervise PhD and other project students and will assist with managing the project.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. To carry out a programme of Higgs boson research working on the ATLAS experiment.

2. Contribute significantly to the development of Higgs analyses.

3. Contribute to the maintenance and operations of the ATLAS experiment, as required.

4. Contribute significantly to the maintenance of the ATLAS experimental and analysis software, and in setting up computing simulations and data analysis strategies.

5. Document research output, including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting progress reports and papers as appropriate.

6. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with ATLAS data analysis and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

7. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external collaboration meetings, seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance your research profile.

8. Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure further funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

9. Collaborate with colleagues across the research group, the ATLAS Collaboration and the wider community.

10. Contribute to the supervision and mentoring of undergraduate/postgraduate students and less experienced members of the group.

11. Assist with administrative tasks and so contribute to the smooth running of the research group and School.

12. Contribute, as appropriate, to outreach and recruitment activities.

13. Carry out modest teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating, tutoring, etc.) and associated administration, as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with the Principal Investigator.

14. Be responsible for safety management related to the organisation and running of laboratory and/or experimental techniques, equipment and processes as appropriate.

15. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

16. To undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School and/or Research Group Leader.

17. To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan – World Changers together: https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/strategy/

These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may be reasonably expected to perform.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications 

Essential:
A1. An awarded PhD or about to receive a PhD in Experimental Particle Physics or a related area.

A2. Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of measurements or searches in Experimental Particle Physics.

A3. Knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area of Particle Physics.

Skills

Essential:

C1. Practical knowledge of C++ and/or Python in a Linux environment and experience with specialist Particle Physics software (e.g. ROOT, GEANT4, etc.), as appropriate.
C2. Communication and presentation skills, both oral and written.

C3. Interpersonal skills.
C4. Time/project management skills as appropriate.

C5. Self-motivation and ability to work as part of a team.

C6. Ability to work in a large international collaboration with ATLAS colleagues.

C7. Ability to assist in the running of the research project and the group.

Desirable:

D1. Good Team Leadership skills including demonstrable supervisory skills.

Experience

Essential:
E1. Record of relevant research experience in Particle Physics and /or Detector Physics.

E2. Experience of making leading contributions to experimental Particle Physics projects.

E3. Experience of scientific writing.
E4. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

E5. Experience of publishing and presenting research results in international journals and at conferences.

E6. A degree of independence as evidenced by instances in which you have influenced the direction of a research project.

Desirable

F1. An emerging national or international reputation. F2. Experience leading a measurement in Particle Physics.

Informal enquiries about the role are welcomed, and should be addressed to Professor Tony Doyle ([email protected]).

Closing date – 24 March 2023

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £37,474 – £42,155 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 3 years

Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension – pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.