The Sub-department of Particle Physics at the University of Oxford is seeking an outstanding research assistant with a flair for interdisciplinary research in the fields of mechanical composite engineering, precision testing and fundamental physics. The successful applicant will co-lead the development and operation of an international facility for the thermo-mechanical characterisation of future particle physics tracking detectors currently under development at Oxford University. The postholder will improve techniques for thermo-mechanical loading, precision metrology and vibration and temperature sensing; model the mechanical and thermal behaviour of structures under test and support the facilities’ users. The candidate will also publish his research work into top journals. The work is based in Oxford but may require travel to conferences and user’s home institutions.

The contract will be fixed-term for 2 years. The contract is intended to start in May 2016.

The successful candidate will have a degree in physics, mechanical engineering or related field and a PhD or equivalent postgraduate experience in particle physics instrumentation or design and characterisation of advance mechanical (composite) structures. The candidate will be an excellent communicator and able to grasp complex user needs efficiently. Experience with standard CAD and FEA software and familiarity with LabView and high level computing languages for data analysis will be beneficial.

Informal enquiries about this post may be made to Georg Viehhauser (georg.viehhauser@physics.ox.ac.uk) or Armin Reichold (armin.reichold@physics.ox.ac.uk).

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. 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.

Only applications received by 12.00 noon on 14 March 2016 can be considered.