The Sub-department of Particle Physics at the University of Oxford is seeking a suitably qualified postdoctoral research assistant to work on the TORCH (Time Of internally Reflected CHerenkov light) R&D project. The TORCH is a novel time-of-flight detector which images Cherenkov photons, emitted from the passage of a charged particle and internally reflected inside a 1 cm thick quartz radiator, onto an array of customised Micro-Channel Plate (MCP) photon detectors. He/she will work on the readout and DAQ systems for the MCP detectors, which are crucial to achieve the desired timing resolution of 15 ps per charged-particle track. The RA will participate fully in test-beam running and data analysis in order to qualify the TORCH timing resolution and spatial precision. He/she will also work on the TORCH simulation, pattern recognition and event reconstruction. The TORCH is a candidate technology for the low-momentum particle identification of the upgraded LHCb experiment, and synergetic work on LHCb may also be required.

The full-time contract will be fixed-term for 1 year. The post is available from 1 February 2016.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in particle physics or a directly related field. Experience with particle or nuclear physics detectors and the analysis of experimental data from them are essential. Experience with fast electronics, DAQ systems and photon detectors is desirable.

The candidate would normally be based in Oxford, with visits to CERN whenever required, however an extended period in CERN is negotiable. When based in Oxford, teaching duties of up to 3 hours per week during University term time may be required.

Informal enquiries about this post may be made to Professor Neville Harnew (neville.harnew@physics.ox.ac.uk).

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online.

Only applications received promptly by 12.00 noon on 11 January 2016 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 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 three letters of reference to be sent to: sue.geddes@physics.ox.ac.uk by the closing date. Applications are acknowledged but not reference letters.