Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Megavoltage Photon FLASH Therapy

Location: Clarendon Laboratory University of Oxford OX1 3PU

Fixed term for 24 months with the possibility of extension

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in megavoltage photon FLASH therapy at the John Adams Institute.

About the Role 

The project aims to address the development of FLASH radiotherapy, a novel treatment approach that could significantly improve both patient outcomes and treatment experience. FLASH radiotherapy is an emerging technique that delivers ultra-high dose rates of radiation in milliseconds, compared with the several minutes required for conventional radiotherapy. However, currently there is no suitable clinical delivery system. The Mega Voltage Photon (MVP) FLASH project aims to accelerate the translation of FLASH radiotherapy by designing and optimising a linear accelerator (linac) capable of producing megavoltage (MV) photon beams at ultra-high dose rates.

The post is available initially for a fixed-term duration of 24 months with the possibility of extension.

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct in-depth simulations and analysis to model and understand the performance of the electron gun and waveguide required to produce the high-intensity electron beams required for delivering photons in FLASH mode.
• Develop and apply advanced numerical simulation and/or optimisation tools to their design and characterisation.
• Contribute to producing the relevant procedures and software tools in order to achieve the above.
• Contribute to the design of relevant prototype components and participate in their testing where applicable.
• Interact with other technical groups working on the project so as to achieve an optimised system design.

The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach. This may include lecturing, small group teaching, and tutoring of undergraduates and graduate students.

Further responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining a current knowledge of other comparable projects and communicating with scientists at other relevant facilities and conferences to ensure exchange of knowledge.
• Developing skills and experience in areas of accelerator engineering relevant to the role.
• Publishing relevant research results in journals and conference proceedings.
• Delivering high-quality internal reporting and professional advice.

About You

Applicants should hold a PhD in accelerator physics/electrical engineering/radio-frequency systems, medical physics, or closely-related disciplines relevant to the design of electron linacs.

Candidates should have:

• Demonstrated experience, knowledge, and interest in the design and implementation of high-field radio-frequency (RF) structures and electron guns.
• Direct experience in accelerator physics/engineering and/or medical physics.
• Direct experience of using Monte-Carlo-based simulation and optimisation tools.
• A proven track record of high-quality research.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate: 

• Ability to work as part of an extended team in multiple disciplines and locations.
• Ability to identify research objectives and subsequently conceive, plan and independently execute appropriate activities to deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Willingness to travel for international collaborations.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a statement of research interests, CV and details of two referees as part of your online application.

Only applications received before midday (UK time) 31st August 2026 can be considered.

Please direct enquiries about the role to Professors Philip Burrows or Manjit Dosanjh.

Contact Person: HR Team

Contact Email: personnel@physics.ox.ac.uk

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