Group Leader – Accelerator Physics

About us

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is one of Europe’s largest research organizations. Through combining world-class facilities with major international collaborations, and some of the world’s most talented staff, we’re driving ground-breaking advances in science and technology/engineering.

The Accelerator Science and Technology Centre (ASTeC) is a centre of excellence for research and development on advanced particle accelerators. We work with the top particle accelerator laboratories around the world to deliver innovative and ground-breaking research facilities, pushing the science and technology frontier forwards.

STFC is one of nine partner organizations that have been brought together to create UK Research and Innovation (UKRI); an organisation with a vision to ensure that the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

About the role

We now have an excellent opportunity within the ASTeC Department for an Accelerator Physics Group Leader with the ability to manage a team of around fifteen staff and students, ensuring that the required skill base meets its current and future requirements.

The Accelerator Physics Group within ASTeC has a broad remit that includes:

• Accelerator design as required by our projects and programmes
• Accelerator modelling and simulations for a broad range of accelerator projects
• Accelerator layouts and definition of specifications of all technical systems and provision thereof as required for our projects and collaborations (national and international)
• An underpinning programme of photocathode R&D (theoretical modelling and lab and test facility-based programme)
• Contributing to the commissioning, characterization, and operation of accelerators
• Developing software simulation tools, simulation frameworks, high-level software and applying machine learning to accelerators

In addition to leading this research and development portfolio, you will be responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction for the group, including input to the wider ASTeC Departmental strategy. You will also be encouraged to develop your own research interests, aligned once again with the strategy. The Group Leader will be responsible for managing the members of the group and setting their priorities.

You will manage both the group and project budgets efficiently, as well as scoping out and attracting new opportunities to develop across this broad research area.

Where appropriate, you will also ensure adequate technical supervision is provided to our PhD and early careers students.

About you

You will have a PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. physics), or equivalent research experience, along with significant experience in accelerator design, simulations, commissioning and operation. With a broader knowledge of accelerator technical systems, you also should have a track record of successful project delivery.

Experience of providing technical and management leadership to project and team members is essential.

You will display excellent communication, interpersonal, presentation and relationship building skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts effectively.

UK and overseas travel will be required to attend meetings and conferences, and to collaborate with international laboratories with large-scale accelerator facilities.

Benefits

STFC offers a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, flexible working hours, exceptional pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies, a subsidized restaurant and good public transport links. Full details of offered benefits can be found on STFC’s careers pages.

To apply

Applicants are required to include a cover letter outlining their suitability for this role. Please also state where you saw this role advertised.

Applications are handled by UK SBS; to apply please click the apply button. Applicants who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on +44 (0)1793 867000.

The closing date for applications is 6 September 2020.