Job reference: SAE-031459
Salary: £37,694 - £46,049 depending on relevant experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering
Location: Oxford Road
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Department of Physics & Astronomy
Hours Per Week: Full Time (1 FTE)
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 10/06/2026
Contract Duration: Fixed Term for 24 months
School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences

Job Description


Research Associate in Laser Spectroscopy for Nuclear Structure Studies


We wish to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated scientist to support the ongoing research programme in nuclear structure using high-resolution laser spectroscopy at the University of Manchester. The key objective of the role is to support and advance the laser spectroscopy programme of the Nuclear Physics Group to investigate nuclei at the extremes of isospin.

The successful candidate will support the development and exploitation of the Collinear Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy (CRIS) experiment at the ISOLDE facility (CERN, Switzerland) and the collinear laser spectroscopy programme at the IGISOL facility (Jyväskylä, Finland). There is also the possibility of joining laser spectroscopy experiments at RISE/BECOLA at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB, USA).

This role provides an opportunity for the successful candidate to support and lead laser spectroscopy studies of exotic nuclei at a range of international radioactive ion beam facilities.

The successful candidate will possess a Ph.D. or equivalent in a relevant field of experimental nuclear physics. Knowledge and hands on experience in the discipline of high-resolution laser spectroscopy of radioactive isotopes for nuclear structure studies is essential. Knowledge and experience in ion beam transport, vacuum systems, high voltage system and laser systems is essential. Knowledge of digital data acquisition systems and/or ion trapping techniques would be highly beneficial.

The project will be accomplished in close collaboration with the PI and other members of the Nuclear Physics Group at the University of Manchester, as well as with international collaborators. Frequent travel to ISOLDE and IGISOL to install and commission equipment, as well as supporting/leading experimental campaigns, is expected.

This project sits within the laser spectroscopy theme of the STFC Consolidated Grant funding led by Prof Kieran Flanagan. The work will be undertaken in collaboration with the laser spectroscopy team in the Nuclear Group at the University of Manchester (Prof Kieran Flanagan, Dr Paul Campbell, Dr Kara Lynch, Dr Tom Day Goodacre) and the Group’s wider international collaborators.


The University of Manchester values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.


What you will get in return:

  • Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
  • Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
  • Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
  • Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
  • Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here.

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we unfortunately may not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.


Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Kieran Flanagan

Email: kieran.flanagan-2@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

Email: https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home


This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.


Take a look around the company https://www.manchester.ac.uk/