Postdoctoral Research Assistant in laser-driven plasma accelerators

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in in laser-driven plasma accelerators.

The post is available for a fixed-term until 31 May 2029.

This project will focus on developing plasma-modulated plasma accelerators (P-MoPAs).

The successful candidates will undertake research into the underlying physics and operation of plasma-modulated plasma accelerators (P-MoPAs), advanced plasma channels, and methods for controlling injection of electrons into laser-driven plasma wakefields. This work will be undertaken within the research groups led by Prof. Simon Hooker (Oxford), in collaboration with that led by Prof. Stefan Karsch (Centre for Advanced Laser Applications [CALA], Munich).

Duties will include undertaking original research within the scope of the research project; developing and leading a programme of numerical simulations relating to all aspects of our research on P-MoPAs; using particle-in-cell computer codes hosted on local and national high-performance computing clusters; engaging with the group’s programme of experiments in Oxford and Munich; writing-up results for publication; presenting results at international conferences; managing the research group’s use of high-performance computing facilities; providing day-to-day supervision of graduate and undergraduate students working in the research group; supporting the day-to-day running of the research group and undertaking associated administrative duties; taking responsibility for safety within the research group; and participating in funding applications and project reporting.

The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach.

Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in plasma physics or high-power laser-plasma interactions. They should have extensive experience of working with particle-in-cell codes running on high-performance computer clusters, experience of presenting scientific results in peer-reviewed journals or delivering papers at international conferences, excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.

Previous experience of undertaking research on plasma accelerators, running fluid codes, undertaking experiments with high-power lasers, developing code for experiment control or feedback, or of supervising undergraduate or graduate students will be an advantage.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate experience of presenting scientific results and the ability to manage their own academic research.

Please direct enquiries about the role to Professor Simon Hooker ( simon.hooker@physics.ox.ac.uk).

Only applications received before midday (UK time) on Friday 25th July 2025  can be considered.  Interviews will be held on 18th and 19th August.

Please upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application.

Please provide details of two referees and ask them to send a letter supporting your application to alpadmin@physics.ox.ac.uk by 12:00 GMT on 25 July 2025.

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