University of the West of Scotland

School of Engineering

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Experimental Nuclear Physics

(Fixed term for 30 months)

£33,230 to £39,649                                                                                         Paisley Campus

The UWS Nuclear Physics Group is seeking to appoint a postdoctoral research associate to support research activities within the group.  One of the primary research themes within the group is the study of exotic nuclei, on both proton-rich and neutron-rich sides of stability. Present interests include the study of proton-rich nuclei close to ¹⁰⁰Sn, strongly octupole correlated systems in the actinide region, and shell evolution close to ¹³²Sn.  This research is carried out at overseas facilities such as JYFL (Finland), Argonne National Laboratory (USA), ILL (France), RIKEN (Japan) and ISOLDE (CERN).  Another theme in our research is the study of nuclear phenomena induced by high-powered lasers, in relation to the development of the new Scottish Centre for the Application of Plasma-based Accelerators. The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to existing research themes or to develop their own programme of research within the broad themes of our current interests. The post-holder, although based at the UWS Paisley Campus, they will be expected to travel to overseas facilities to conduct experiments, where necessary.

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and well-motivated experimental scientist, with a PhD in experimental nuclear physics.  Experience of gamma-ray spectroscopy experiments with large detector array would be advantageous.  Experience of computer programming using high-level languages (such as C, C++, and Java) and a working knowledge of relevant software packages such as ROOT, Radware, GRAIN, or GEANT would also be an advantage.  Willingness to travel to overseas facilities is essential.

Informal enquiries about this post should be sent to Dr. John F. Smith by email to John.F.Smith@uws.ac.uk or by telephone on (44) 0141 848 3652.

Closing date:  Friday 27^th September 2013

Interviews will take place on Friday 18^th October 2013

Further information, including details of how to apply, is available at www.uws.ac.uk/jobs or by contacting the Department of Human Resources by email marie.leckie@uws.ac.uk or telephone: 0141 848 3561 (24 hour answering service) quoting the relevant vacancy reference Ref 13/188.

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