Postdoctoral Research Associate in Silicon Tracking Detector R&D

The Hadronic Matter Group of the Physics Department is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support its STFC-funded Electron Ion Collider R&D programme, which aims to develop new technologies for future particle vertexing and tracking silicon detectors.

In close collaboration with other UK universities and STFC laboratories, as well as in partnership with international institutions and accelerator laboratories, the R&D work of the Liverpool Hadronic Matter Group focuses on the development of Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors (MAPS), the state-of-the-art silicon sensor technology for high-precision vertexing and tracking of charged particles. Past and current projects include the upgrades of the Inner Tracking System (ITS) for the ALICE experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN (Switzerland). For future experiments investigating the nature and properties of cold and hot QCD matter produced in ultra-relativistic collisions such as at the LHC or at the Electron Ion Collider (EIC), the future particle accelerator to be built at Brookhaven National Laboratory in the USA, MAPS is the only silicon technology capable of satisfying the most demanding particle vertexing and tracking requirements, relying, for example, on increased granularity and lower material budget.

You will play a leading role in evaluating the performances of a number of prototype test structures and stitched sensors recently developed in a commercial 65 nm CMOS imaging process by a large international consortium of engineers and scientists for the ALICE ITS3 upgrade and the future experiments, ePIC@EIC and ALICE3@LHC. You will perform experimental data acquisition with radioactive sources in the Liverpool Semiconductor Detector Centre to characterise various design implementations and generations of these prototype sensors. You will also lead the analysis of the acquired data and be involved in beam test campaigns at accelerator laboratories. Other tasks relating to mechanical and electrical developments could also be considered.

You will collaborate with other researchers working on these projects (locally, nationally and internationally) as well as provide some day-to-day supervision for postgraduate and/or undergraduate students. You will also be expected to present the progress and results of your work at regular collaboration meetings and international workshops or conferences.  A willingness to travel and the ability to communicate effectively with key stakeholders are essential.  You will have a PhD (or will be close to submitting/defending your thesis) in experimental nuclear or particle physics or in a discipline relevant to particle detector research (preferably associated with silicon detectors for high-energy physics).

You will have opportunities to access a range of researcher development resources, with the University of Liverpool sector leading in postdoctoral researcher development programmes such as Prosper.
The post is initially available until 31 May 2026 and is expected to start as soon as possible. The salary will be determined depending on experience and qualification. This post is full time (1 FTE).

If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30.  Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

This role is eligible for sponsorship under the skilled worker route.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.