Postdoctoral Researcher in Antihydrogen Physics

Job reference: SAE-030237
Salary: £37,694 - £46,049 per annum depending on experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering
Location: Oxford Road
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Department of Physics & Astronomy
Hours Per Week: Full time (1 FTE)
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 19/11/2025
Contract Duration: Fixed term for 12 months
School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences

The ALPHA experiment at CERN addresses a key challenge in physics – understanding the disparities between matter and antimatter that have shaped our matter-dominated universe. Focused on precise atomic physics measurements, the project aims to uncover minute differences between trapped antihydrogen and hydrogen atoms. In the realm of antimatter gravitation and spectroscopic studies, achieving the highest precision demands meticulous control and understanding of the magnetic environment.

The ALPHA-g experiment, in particular, employs magnetic fields to balance the effects of gravitational potential on antimatter. This project will perform the first attempt to quantitatively measure the acceleration of antihydrogen due to Earth's gravitational field through the stochastic application of dipole heating pulses on a trapped antihydrogen population. The selected candidate will be central to this effort and develop the optical system and experimental techniques for use in the ALPHA-g gravitation experiment. The project will also include the development of a H- dissociation for use in performing equivalent measurements with trapped hydrogen experiments in ALPHA. The successful candidate will also actively contribute to the broader ALPHA physics program, encompassing gravitational measurements and general spectroscopy campaigns.

Based at CERN, this experimental initiative involves manipulating trapped electron plasmas for use as magnetometers. It also entails developing and deploying electronics to enhance and optimize control of the antihydrogen magnetic trap system. Further, this candidate will help establish the development of stochastic acceleration of trapped anti-atoms for use in future gravitation experiments. The successful candidate will also actively contribute to the broader ALPHA physics program, encompassing gravitational measurements and general spectroscopy campaigns.

Qualifications for the role include substantial experimental experience with trapped ions or atoms. A background in atomics physics and familiarity with optics, high power lasers and associated instrumentation and control systems, are essential.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is committed to promoting Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Access through contributing to the University’s social responsibility agenda, demonstrating a commitment to its policies, activities and delivery of initiatives including the Athena SWAN charter for promoting women’s careers in STEMM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) in higher education. The Department has held JUNO Champion status since 2016 for its commitment to achieving gender equality which positively promotes inclusivity for all.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Will Bertsche

Email: william.bertsche@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

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