Vacancies and Fellowship opportunities
PhD opportunities
Beam gas curtain monitor for the High Luminosity LHC
The QUASAR Group, based at the Cockcroft Institute, has pioneered the development of a supersonic gas jet as a non-invasive beam profile monitor. By varying the gas species, density and thermodynamic parameters, the resulting event/detection rate can be varied over a very wide range, thus making the monitor a versatile device for various particle beams.
To fully exploit the potential of this novel beam monitor, in particular for high beam current applications and overlapping beams, detailed simulation studies are required that further the understanding of the jet generation and formation process, jet-beam interaction, as well as image acquisition and analysis.
This PhD project will combine numerical studies using available commercial tools, as well as purpose-developed fluid dynamics and Monte Carlo tools to study the gas jet dynamics in various configurations. In addition, machine learning will be applied to optimize data analysis.
Competition funded PhD project.
Application deadline 31 May 2024.
Optical fiber-based RF-breakdown detection and prediction at University of Liverpool
The QUASAR Group, based at the Cockcroft Institute, in collaboration with the beam instrumentation company D-Beam Ltd, have pioneered the development and commercialization of optical fiber-based beam loss monitors for particle accelerators.
To fully exploit the potential of this novel monitor, in particular for RF sources used in radiotherapy facilities, detailed simulation studies are required to further quantify and understand the generation of the fiber signals during breakdown events.
This project will be funded for 4 years at the level of a standard UKRI stipend; years 2 and 3 will be spent at industry partner Teledyne e2V in Chelmsford.
Application deadline 31 May 2024.
For more information about the PhD projects, please contact Prof Carsten Welsch c.p.welsch@liverpool.ac.uk
Fellowships and grants
We invite expressions of interest for a number of prestigious Fellowships and grants. These funding schemes offer outstanding supporting and developing opportunities for time frames between 2-5 years and are an ideal platform for those who have already demonstrated their potential as outstanding researchers. We can provide access to world-class research infrastructure at the Cockcroft Institute/University of Liverpool and help you develop your proposal into a competitive bid. The stimulating environment within the QUASAR Group will be the perfect basis to turn your research ideas into reality.
Please contact Prof Carsten P Welsch for more information.
New: Liverpool Research Fellowship
The University of Liverpool has launched a new 5-year Fellowship that can lead to a permanent academic post at the end, subject to positive evaluation. The QUASAR Group offers an outstanding research environment and has an excellent track record in developing talent. We would be delighted to discuss your research ideas and help with your application. Simply get in touch!
STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowships
The Science and Technology Facilities Council offer approximately 12 Fellowships each year to early-career researchers in astrophysics, particle physics, nuclear physics and accelerator physics. The deadline is usually in mid-September. Please give notice of your wish to apply at least 3 months ahead of the closing date. In the first instance we would like to receive a copy of your CV and a statement of research interest together with a list of publications by this date.
The Royal Society - University Research Fellowships
This scheme is for outstanding scientists in the UK at an early stage of their career who have the potential to become leaders in their field. The deadline is in early September.
H2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships
MCSA Individual Fellowships are for two years only and usually involve joining an established research group. Individual researchers submit proposals for funding in liaison with their planned host organisation. The next deadline is in September and your CV will be required at an early stage in order to gain approval to proceed with the application.
European Research Council Grants
ERC Starting Grants are open to researchers of any nationality with 2-7 years of experience since completion of PhD, a scientific track record showing great promise and an excellent research proposal. Consolidator Grants targeted more experienced researchers, whilst Advanced Grants are available for international research leaders who have demonstrated their potential for ground-breaking research. There are calls for all three schemes each year.
UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships
This new scheme supports early career researchers and innovators with outstanding potential. It offers a permanent academic post at the end of a 7-year Fellowship, following a successful evaluation. The FLF scheme welcomes applications from both UK and international applicants and you should use the person specification on the FLF website to assess and justify your suitability for the scheme.
For all other Fellowship schemes
Please contact us well ahead of the scheme deadline in order to establish the required support and discuss fit to the QUASAR Group's strategy.