Research Fellow in Particle Physics

Job Title:

Research Fellow in Particle Physics

Work Arrangement:
Full Time (Hybrid)

Contract Type:
Fixed-term

Closing Date: 18/11/2026

School/Department:
Mathematical & Physical Sciences

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

The University of Sheffield ATLAS group has an exciting opportunity for a Research Fellow in Particle Physics to join our effort in the construction of silicon strip detector modules for the ATLAS Phase-II tracker upgrade, the commissioning of the new detector and the detector development for future experiments alongside conducting physics measurements at the High Energy Frontier within the Sheffield ATLAS group remit (Higgs, Standard Model).

You will supervise the work of a technician as well as graduate students in the project. We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate that is keen to develop and contribute to a sustainable research programme within the group and take over related responsibilities and leadership. There is the expectation to be involved in funding applications which could lead to the opportunity to (co-)supervise research associates / post-doctoral researchers.

As such you will need a PhD in particle physics or a related field with relevant experience in software (e.g. C++, python, Root, Athena, GEANT4) and a track record of successful work within particle physics collaborations. You should have a track-record of contributing and leading publications regarding your research.

You will be based in Sheffield, with frequent travel to CERN and other laboratories required.

The Sheffield ATLAS group consists of five academics and has played a key role in the successful construction, commissioning and operation of the ATLAS SCT detector. Our particular strengths lie in searches for SUSY particles, measurements of SM diboson processes sensitive to new physics and of the Higgs boson and related performance studies.

Strong Involvement in the day-to-day silicon module production and organisation. This includes:

• Performing reception and metrology tests on raw components for silicon detector modules and on the finished module
• Performing standardised tests on completed silicon detector modules using a data acquisition system
• Taking on leadership responsibilities in ITk module production and subsequent installation on the ATLAS-UK or ATLAS-wide level
• Leading the group’s participation in the R&D programme for the next generation of detectors (DRD3 and DRD8)
• International leadership in early ITk detector commissioning and alignment using cosmic-ray muons and the first Run-4 collision data using a Kalman filter techniques
• Leading contributions to physics analysis within ATLAS, for example H → μμ, diboson or di-Higgs measurements.
• Determine research objectives and initiate and implement a programme of research. This may include managing time, materials, finance and equipment.
• Disseminate research findings / results through the production of papers for high quality journals and presentations
• Identify and generate appropriate sources of funding and prepare research proposals for funding bodies
• Apply for, manage or co‑manage external research funding over a period of grant(s). Prepare at least one…