Research Associate on the DUNE Experiment

3 year fixed term contract

Location: The successful applicant will be based at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxfordshire

Hours: Full Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants) 

Applications are invited for a Research Associate position in Experimental Particle Physics to work on novel neutrino oscillation analysis techniques for DUNE within the Particle Physics Department (PPD) at the STFC Rutherford Appleton laboratory. The post will initially be for three years.

PPD is one of the largest Particle Physics groups in the UK and contributes to all major PP experiments in the UK. PPD has been involved in the DUNE collaboration since early 2018 and provides technical leadership of the DUNE DAQ project. Since 2023 there has been a new focus on DUNE's flagship neutrino oscillation analysis. DUNE will make use of a movable detector, DUNE-PRISM, that can change its position relative to the neutrino beam to sample different neutrino energy ranges. This feature enables a novel oscillation analysis that is uniquely robust to neutrino interaction mis-modelling. The capability of the analysis relies on a strong understanding of the neutrino flux prediction, the reconstruction and detector uncertainties at both the near and far detectors, and modern statistical inference techniques. The successful applicant will take a leading role in the development and presentation of this analysis and as such will build skills in a broad range of DUNE physics, simulation, and reconstruction topics. There may also be opportunities to join the team developing the DUNEPRISM prototype movement system at the University of Minnesota.

In addition to research on DUNE, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to work on the NUISANCE framework, which is a widely used neutrino cross-section data preservation and event generator tuning toolkit that will play a central role in current and future neutrino interaction model development.

The applicant must have or be about to receive a Ph.D. in Particle Physics or a similar field.

Applications should consist of a CV, a covering letter (max 2 pages) explaining why the candidate is suited to this position and the names and addresses of three referees.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr. Luke Pickering (luke.pickering@stfc.ac.uk).

Person specification

Essential 

• Ph.D. in Particle Physics or similar qualification Experience of working on particle physics experiments 
• Good knowledge of C++ or similar multi-paradigm, compiled language 
• Good knowledge of modern systematic error propagation and statistical inference techniques 
• Ability to undertake original research and work independently with high degree of self-motivation 
• Ability to think logically whilst working on several activities in parallel 
• Fluent English and able to communicate & work collaboratively with large groups of people from many different countries 

Additional information

Our team works on the DUNE Long-Baseline Neutrino Oscillation analysis, which requires the use of large-scale shared computing resources. Improved understanding of the effects of event reconstruction in liquid argon detectors and the neutrino beam simulation on the analysis will be possible areas of focus for the post. The majority of DUNE analysis code is written in modern C++ and is steered by shell scripts via existing Fermilab computing tools. Any experience in these areas may be considered a plus, however training will be provided.

There will be some travel required, including frequent trips to Europe and the USA.

Employee benefits:

We are offering a 3 year FTC with a whole host of benefits including: 

• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days). 
• Flexible working hours. 
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme. 
• Employee shopping/travel discounts. 
• Excellent learning and development opportunities. 

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are invested in crafting an environment that is welcoming and encouraging of all, to help us achieve the highest possible standards in our work and organisation together. In this regard, we encourage applications from under-represented groups.

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, this is a place where there’s always something new to learn –about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself. Join us and discover what’s possible.

About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) 

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel.

We’re a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don’t, ask questions that others won’t, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it’s at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It’s very often ground-breaking.  And it’s endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.

For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/ 

You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/ 

About UK Research Innovation (UKRI) 

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. 

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation. 

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.  

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.  For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.  UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

How we support EDI in the workforce 

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’. 

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 
 
How to apply 

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application. 

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.