Research Officer in Antihydrogen Physics

About The Role

The group is a leading member of the ALPHA collaboration with responsibility for positrons, antihydrogen synthesis, laser-spectroscopy and frequency metrology. Recent research highlights include the first laser spectroscopy of the 1s-2s transition in antihydrogen as a test of matter-antimatter symmetry, the first application of laser cooling to antimatter and observation of antimatter under the influence of gravity. The group has improved methods for antihydrogen synthesis such that the number of antiatoms has increased tenfold and reduced the uncertainty of frequency fluctuations in the experiment by a factor of one thousand. As a result, tests of fundamental symmetry with antihydrogen will become significantly more precise, allowing further exploration of the energy spectrum as well as direct comparisons with hydrogen.

The successful candidate will be working at CERN with both the Swansea team and the ALPHA collaboration on the next generation of antihydrogen experiments. Responsibilities will include excited state laser spectroscopy of antihydrogen and investigation of non-destructive detection techniques of antimatter fluorescence. This will take place in an exciting multi-disciplinary experiment in an international context, where there is ample freedom for the successful candidate to have a significant impact on the future of antihydrogen physics.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in physics. Experience in the synthesis, laser cooling, and spectroscopy of antihydrogen will be essential. Experience in developing Penning traps, low-noise electronics, deep UV photodetection and cryogenics are further essential criteria.

The position will be based fully at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

As an inclusive and welcoming workplace, we value people for their skills regardless of their background. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English.

Welsh Language Skills

The Welsh language level required for this role is Level 1 - A little. The role holder will be able to pronounce Welsh words, answer the phone in Welsh (good morning/afternoon) and use very basic everyday words and phrases (thank you, please etc.). Level 1 can be reached by completing a 1 hour course.

The University is a proud bilingual institution, our Welsh Language Strategy outlines our aspiration to promote the language and enable our staff to engage with the language as an additional workplace skill and as a gateway to new cultural and social opportunities. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English. Welsh speakers have the right to an interview in Welsh. Applicants for a role where Welsh skills are essential are expected to present their application in Welsh and will be interviewed in Welsh, if shortlisted.

Additional Information

Applications for this role will take the format of a CV submission and cover letter.

Closing Date: 18 Sept 2025

Interview Dates: 23 - 24 Sept 2025

Informal Enquiries: Niels Madsen n.madsen@swansea.ac.uk

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