Lecturer in Physics (AI for Particle Accelerators) (Grade 8)

We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a Lecturer in the Department of Physics in the field of Particle Accelerators, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) methodologies.

This role will boost the capabilities of research infrastructures through AI digital transformation, benefitting environmental impact, energy consumption, and operational efficiency of particle accelerators. You will be based jointly at the Cockcroft Institute at Daresbury Laboratory and in the Department of Physics at the University of Liverpool.

Our department was ranked ninth in the UK for Physics research outputs and seventh for the quality of our research environment in REF2021. We have an excellent track record in the development of novel technologies, including sensors and detectors, and data science. Our academic staff hold important leadership roles in world-class experiments, and they drive innovations that benefit society.

You will: 

• Contribute to our development of future particle accelerators and applying AI methodologies to optimise their design, operation, and efficiency. This includes predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, system optimization, and the development of AI-enabled control systems, aligning with international strategic goals to enhance current and future research infrastructures.
• Work closely with the Accelerator Science cluster and more broadly within the Department on the use of AI and machine-learning techniques for design and optimization of particle accelerators.
• Closely connect your work with activities in our STFC CDT LIV.INNO, liaise with internal and external stakeholders, strengthen, and grow strategic industry partnerships and data science R&D in the department, strategically contributing to the institutional DIGITAL research theme.
• Act as a research leader in AI/ML within the Cockcroft Institute, formulating collaborations between university partners, ASTeC and the STFC SciML division.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities for collaborative research, working closely with major research infrastructures, universities, and industry partners. Leverage AI to address core challenges faced by particle accelerators, including energy efficiency, sustainability, and performance limitations, contributing to both fundamental physics and applied sciences.
• Teach a range of lectures, laboratory classes and tutorials, including modules on AI/ML. Exact teaching duties and most appropriate salary spine point within the advertised range will be agreed based on background and experience.

You will have a PhD in Physics or a related discipline.

This post may be taken up on a part-time (a minimum of 0.5 FTE) or full-time basis (including a job share). There is no obligation to declare an interest in a part-time or flexible position in the application or at interview. This may be addressed after the selection process.

The School of Physical Sciences is working to create an inclusive environment which values a diverse workforce, and we recognise that many individuals value flexibility in their work/life balance. We particularly welcome applications from groups that are currently under-represented within the School of Physical Sciences. As a Race Equality Charter Bronze and Athena Swan Silver Award holder and IoP Juno Practitioner, we are committed to race and gender equality. We strongly encourage applications from individuals from groups underrepresented within our workforce, particularly women and people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background.

The University of Liverpool is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and so we do not permit the use of journal-based indicators when judging research quality.

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