Postdoctoral Researcher in Plasma Lens Development

Job Advert

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Postdoctoral Researcher in Plasma Lens Development. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge experimental physics research focused on developing Gabor lens technology for use in novel accelerator systems. You will work within the Department of Physics and Astronomy, supporting advanced plasma confinement and beam manipulation research in a dynamic and inclusive environment.

You will be responsible for:

• Developing and upgrading high-voltage electronics and control systems for plasma confinement experiments
• Designing and delivering experimental campaigns to trap, diagnose and analyse high-density plasmas
• Developing and applying advanced plasma diagnostics and imaging techniques
• Supporting the design and specification of next-generation Penning Trap Gabor Lens systems
• Contributing to grant proposals, reporting and collaborative research activities

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria:

• A PhD in physics or a closely related discipline
• Expertise in charged particle beams (electrons/positrons) and non-neutral plasma traps
• Experience with plasma and beam diagnostics and data analysis
• Experience working with high voltage electronics and control systems
• Strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and safe research practices

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience with LabVIEW or similar control systems
• Knowledge of particle simulations (e.g. Monte Carlo or PIC codes)
• Background in atomic physics or spectroscopy
• Experience developing experimental plasma systems
• Experience contributing to research proposals or publications

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our Benefits
Our benefits include:

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see:
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/benefits-working-here/
Flexible and hybrid working:
https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/people/current-staff/flexible-and-hybrid-working/

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where ideas can be explored and shared.
Find out more:
https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=32905

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
Name: William Bertsche
Email: William.bertsche@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.