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, and the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source are jointly seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to lead an Accelerator Impact Review detailing the carbon footprint of a particle accelerator. This will be based on the concept for ISIS-II, the next generation neutron and muon source utilising a MW-class 1.2 GeV proton accelerator.

Environmental considerations for particle accelerators are becoming increasingly critical as the UK moves towards ‘net zero’ and this is likely to be an important factor in funding considerations for new machines. This position will provide a key coordination role in drawing together information and effort from the UK accelerator community of scientists, technologists and engineers to address this emerging issue.

The successful candidate will perform a study of the climate impact of accelerator activities, including identification of the main sources of emissions during the full lifecycle of key accelerator components and assessment of the carbon footprint of new technologies. Although this will be based around ISIS-II, applicability for other accelerators will also be considered and the review will be aided by comparison with a similar exercise currently being carried out by the Accelerator Science and Technology Centre at Daresbury Laboratory for a smaller-scale electron accelerator.

Applicants should hold a PhD in physics or engineering related to particle accelerators and have a proven track-record of high-quality research in large-scale accelerator infrastructures, demonstrated experience, knowledge and interest in accelerator technologies, materials and operating regimes relevant to carbon footprint, and experience of finding information and analysing complex data and representing this in an accessible form.

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 21 November 2022 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 three referees as part of your online application. In addition you should arrange for the two letters of reference to be sent to sue.geddes@physics.ox.ac.uk by the closing date. Applications are acknowledged but not reference letters.