Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of the West of Scotland – School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences

Paisley Campus

Full time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: 24 months

The University of West of Scotland (UWS) are recruiting for a Postdoctoral Research Associate within the Nuclear Physics Research Centre in the School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences.

UWS plays a leading role in a number of instrumentation and detector development projects. One such project is the construction of cerium bromide scintillation detectors for the HYPATIA array being developed for experiments at the RIBF laboratory in Tokyo, Japan. This project, and this post, is funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council.

The postholder will take a leading role in the construction of these cerium bromide detectors including contributing to research and development aspects of this project.

There will be opportunities for diversification of the PDRA role in other ongoing detector developments, and other projects being led by UWS nuclear physicists. The successful candidate will be encouraged to propose and lead research experiments at international laboratories in addition to experiments aimed at using the HYPATIA array.

The successful candidate should have the following:

• Undergraduate degree in physics, or in an appropriate related discipline.
• PhD in experimental nuclear physics
• Experience of experimental nuclear-physics research and gamma-ray spectroscopy.
• An understanding of the use of different types of radiation detectors.
• A working knowledge of the data-analysis framework ROOT.
• Previous experience in programming in languages such as C, C++, Java or Python.
• A proven track record of high-level scientific writing to publication standard.
• The ability to prepare and deliver effective oral presentations at meetings and conferences.

About us

University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s largest and most dynamic modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought-after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.

With cutting-edge courses, modern pedagogy and practical knowledge, we enable our students and staff to experience the joy of learning, teaching, research and innovation, and apply their knowledge for the benefit of others.

UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 200 universities worldwide under 50 years old (2024 Young University Rankings).

The School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences offers industry-focussed teaching and research opportunities that deliver solutions to real-world problems. You will join an innovative and supportive team, playing a key role in driving forward our ambition to deliver transformational change, through outputs that have a tangible, early and positive impact on society across the globe. Our students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, extensive expertise in research and development, and our robust collaborations with multinational companies across the world.

UWS is fully committed to the UK Concordat to support the Career Development of Researchers which sets out clear standards that research staff can expect from the University. It aims to improve the employment and support for research careers in the UK and provides a framework for career development based around the Concordat principles.

We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:

• 35 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays
• An additional days leave on your birthday
• Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme
• A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance
• Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers
• Fitness facilities across our campuses
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional, career and research development opportunities.

Closing date: Wednesday 17^th December 2025

Interview date: week commencing Monday 12^th January 2026

Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the salary scale (unless by exception, where evidence would need to be provided)

The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

You can find out more about how the University uses your personal data as part of the recruitment process by looking at the UWS HR Applicant Privacy Notice at www.uws.ac.uk

UWS are committed signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant.

UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.

UWS is a “Disability Confident” employer.

University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520.