​​​​​​The ATLAS detector has started recording data from the CERN Large Hadron Collider Run-3 data-taking period. The improved ATLAS data selection (trigger) system in Run-3 enables the use of extensive real-time analysis techniques, where data collection and first-pass data analysis are near-simultaneous, allowing the recording of novel high-statistics datasets for the ATLAS experiment.

The Particle Physics group at the University of Manchester is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on the ATLAS experiment at the CERN LHC. The successful candidate will ready the data recorded using these real-time analysis techniques and use it for new physics searches and measurements. The candidate will also play a leading role in the innovation of the ATLAS trigger system with the development and implementation of machine learning algorithms for fast decision making and data compression. 

The work is funded through the ERC Consolidator Grant ‘REALDARK', with a research program on dark matter and novel data-taking techniques spanning from 2021 to 2026.

The Manchester ATLAS group consists of seven academic members of staff, 11 research staff and 17 PhD students. The group has a strong involvement in many areas of ATLAS physics analysis, including studies of Higgs boson interactions, measurements of high-energy electroweak processes (VBS/VBF, multiboson production), top quark physics, and searches for new phenomena (dark matter, violation of lepton universality). The group is also heavily involved in ATLAS detector operations and performance, with long-standing contributions to ATLAS trigger and data acquisition, combined performance (jet/b-jet/tau reconstruction), and the Phase-II detector and trigger upgrades.

Applicants must have a PhD (or equivalent) in particle physics by the time of starting the position. The successful candidate will have experience in data analysis and one or more of the following areas of particle physics: trigger, software and computing, detector operations, object reconstruction/performance. The appointment will be from March 1st 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter. The appointments will initially be for a period of two years. The successful candidates will be based in Manchester and will make frequent visits to CERN, with the possibility of long-term stays.

The School/Department is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for gender equality in higher education. The School/Department holds a Silver Award which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. All appointment will be made on merit. For further information, please visit: http://www.physics.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/equality-and-diversity/ ​​​​​​​

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here, blended working arrangements may be considered as well.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.