Associate Professorship (or Professorship) of Particle Physics

Salary: ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR (TF-UNIVERSITY) £58,265 - £77,645 per annum

The Department of Physics and St John’s College invite applications for an Associate Professor (or Professor) of Particle Physics. The post is based in the Department of Physics and is associated with a Tutorial Fellowship at St John’s College. The appointment is available from 1 September 2026 and offers an exciting opportunity to lead a world-class research programme in experimental collider physics.

This appointment will strengthen the Department’s internationally recognised research in Experimental Particle Physics, with a particular emphasis on high-energy collider physics and advanced detector instrumentation. The successful candidate will be expected to conduct original, internationally leading research in collider-based particle physics and to play a major role in the development of silicon detector technologies for current and future experiments. Applicants must hold a doctorate in experimental particle physics or a closely related field.

We particularly welcome candidates whose research complements the Department’s existing strengths, including involvement in the ATLAS experiment and future collider initiatives. Applicants should demonstrate an outstanding publication record, the ability to secure external research funding, and experience of working effectively within large international collaborations. A strong commitment to teaching, supervision, and mentoring at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels is essential.

The appointee will be expected to establish and sustain a vibrant, externally funded research programme in experimental collider physics and instrumentation. This will include the supervision of DPhil students and postdoctoral researchers, and active engagement in the design, construction, and operation of silicon detectors for current and next-generation experiments. The Department provides excellent infrastructure for detector development, including clean rooms, advanced micro-assembly and characterisation facilities, and strong technical support.

The successful candidate will contribute to the Department’s full teaching programme, including lectures, classes, laboratory supervision, and the supervision of undergraduate and graduate research projects. As a Fellow of St John’s College, the appointee will undertake tutorial teaching in physics, participate in undergraduate admissions, and provide academic and pastoral support to students. Fellows are also Trustees of the College and are expected to contribute to its governance and wider community life.

Further details of the role and application process are available via the apply link. The job reference is [184136]. The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon on 27 February 2026, with interviews expected in April–May 2026. Applicants should submit a CV, covering letter, and statement of research interests, and provide contact details for three referees of international standing. References should be submitted by the closing date.

Applications are particularly welcomed from women and candidates from Black or minority ethnic backgrounds, who are under-represented at Oxford. The Department of Physics is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and holds an Athena Swan Gold Award. The University of Oxford is a Living Wage Employer and holds multiple equality and research excellence awards.

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