Postdoctoral Research Assistant on the ATLAS experiment

Postdoctoral Research Assistant on the ATLAS Experiment

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic. The Department of Physics undertakes forefront research from fundamental particles to the furthest reaches of the universe, alongside training the next generation of leaders in physics. Join the Oxford ATLAS Group to lead searches for dark matter or triple-Higgs production and contribute to reconstruction and trigger performance at the LHC.

About the Role

The ATLAS Group at the University of Oxford seeks two postdoctoral researchers to take leading roles in data analysis and reconstruction/trigger work on the ATLAS experiment. One post-holder will lead searches for triple-Higgs production, while the other will lead searches for dark matter in semi-invisible signatures. Both will contribute to missing transverse momentum reconstruction or jet reconstruction/tagging at offline or trigger level. You will manage your own research, analyse scientific data with novel techniques, develop or maintain software, and collaborate with colleagues across partner institutions. Responsibilities include supporting DPhil students; preparing scientific publications and presenting research at ATLAS meetings, workshops and conferences; and the opportunity to teach. Oxford has a large ATLAS group active in Standard Model, Higgs and beyond-Standard-Model analyses, detector upgrades, trigger and reconstruction, and ML/AI applications. These full-time, externally funded appointments run until 31 October 2030, with a possibility of renewal. Oxford is the preferred base, although CERN may be possible by agreement; hybrid working may be supported according to operational needs.

About You

You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD/DPhil in experimental particle physics or a closely related field, with a proven track record of high-quality research and enthusiasm for the scientific goals of the post. You will be able to identify objectives, plan and execute research to deadlines, and programme confidently in C++ and Python. You will have excellent written and oral communication skills, including publishing and presenting research, and be self-motivated with the ability to guide graduate students. You will work collaboratively in a diverse team and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and diversity in physics. You must be willing to travel to CERN or other workshops and conferences as required, or to Oxford if based at CERN. It is desirable if candidates hold a PhD in collider physics and have experience in collider data analysis, including new-physics searches, searches involving semi-invisible detector signatures (one post), or multi-Higgs physics (one post). Experience with the reconstruction, tagging, or triggering of missing transverse momentum or hadronic jets is required, as is familiarity with the ROOT package, ATLAS software frameworks and expertise in advanced statistical methods. Candidates should also have experience in and an interest in designing and applying Machine Learning techniques. Experience in, or an interest in, science outreach and public engagement is also desirable.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a CV, and a supporting statement explaining how you meet each selection criterion and your research interests, and provide details of two referees. Applicants should ask their two referees to send reference letters directly to [email protected] by the closing date. Please upload application documents as PDF files. The closing date for applications is 12pm (UK time) on Monday, 7 December 2026. Interviews are expected to take place during week commencing 25th January 2027; and will take place over Teams.