PhD Position in Experimental Ultrafast Irradiation-Driven medium Dynamics Msca-Dn "Ms-Radam

Organisation/Company Queen's University Belfast MS-RADAM Research Field Physics » Condensed matter properties Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 20 Mar 2026 - 17:00 (Europe/Dublin) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Jul 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Reference Number DC10 Application Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number  Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

MS-RADAM (“Multi Scale phenomena in RAdiation DAMage”) is a European Doctoral Network project funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme. The project brings together leading academic and industrial partners from eight European countries (Germany, France, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Sweden, Denmark and Georgia) to train a new generation of interdisciplinary researchers.

MS-RADAM aims to advance the understanding of key radiation‑induced biodamage phenomena at the nano‑ and larger scales, with applications in particle therapy, radiotherapy, and radio protection. These include the formation of DNA strand breaks by ionising radiation, DNA repair, radio sensitisation by metal nanoparticles, cell survival and radioresistance.

The MS‑RADAM research programme combines state‑of‑the‑art computational multiscale modelling (using DFT/TDDFT methods, collision theory, molecular dynamics, stochastic dynamics, Monte Carlo and analytical methods) and its thorough validation using advanced experimental techniques (such as mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, radiochemistry and radio biology experiments with biomolecular and biological systems such as oligonucleotides, DNA origami, radio sensitising nanoparticles, living cells and multicellular targets).

MS‑RADAM invites applications for a 36‑month, full‑time, fixed‑term position as a Doctoral Candidate (DC). The successful candidate will be employed by Queen’s University Belfast in Belfast, United Kingdom, and enrolled in its PhD programme. The Centre for Light Matter Interactions will host the position and the majority of the work will be centred around the TARANIS Laser facility. TARANIS is a 40 Terawatt dual‑beam system capable of generating focused intensities >10^19 W cm^‑2.

The DC10 research project, entitled “Ultrafast irradiation‑driven medium dynamics”, will focus on the ultrafast dynamics of chemical species and excited electrons in the immediate aftermath of irradiation by picosecond pulses of laser‑driven ions. The solvation dynamics in H2O will be determined at various fluxes of protons ranging from single proton track conditions to overlapping tracks. The experimental results will be compared with theoretical and computational modelling results through close collaboration with other partners within the MS‑RADAM network.

In addition to specialised scientific training, the position offers extensive international mobility, secondments to partner organisations, and training in transferable skills such as research management, communication, and career development.

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• Hold a University Master’s Degree in experimental laser plasma physics or a related field.
• Be available to start on 01.07.2026.
• Have excellent English language skills (both spoken and written).
• Be able to travel internationally on a regular basis, e.g. to attend regular project meetings, conferences and training activities.
• Be able to work in an international environment, be highly motivated and reliable, and be able to meet strict deadlines.

• Comply with the MSCA mobility rule: you must not have lived or worked in the United Kingdom for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to the recruitment date (01.07.2026).

• Send the following documents as a single PDF file to  before 20 March 2026:
  • Your full CV.
  • A copy of the most recent diploma (Master’s or equivalent).
  • A copy of your marks and grades.
  • A letter of motivation.
  • Two letters of recommendation.
• Include “MS‑RADAM DC10 Application” in the email…