PhD Studentships in Experimental Physics: Join the Particle Physics Department (PPD) at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory for a research degree (PhD/D.Phil) in experimental particle physics. We offer financial support through UKRI-STFC Postgraduate Studentship awards, covering “home” fees and providing a stipend. Students work at RAL, collaborate with global scientists, and may spend time at partner universities or international facilities. Six PhD studentships for 2024 are available for projects like LHC/ATLAS, LHC/FASER, LUX-ZEPLIN, MIGDAL, and DUNE.
- 🌐 Introduction to PPD and Student Recruitment:
- The Particle Physics Department (PPD) at STFC Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory (RAL) recruits 5-11 graduates annually for PhD/D.Phil in experimental particle physics.
- RAL doesn’t award degrees; students are registered at partner universities for their degrees.
- Financial support, including tuition and stipend, is provided through UKRI-STFC Postgraduate Studentship awards.
- Guidance on “home” and “overseas” fees is available on UKCISA, especially for EU students post-Brexit.
- 🏛️ STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory:
- RAL, located 25km south of Oxford, is a major multidisciplinary scientific research laboratory in Europe.
- Facilities include ISIS, Diamond Light Source, high-power lasers, computing, and more, supporting 10,000+ scientists globally.
- 🎓 Particle Physics Department at RAL:
- PPD is one of the largest departments in the UK with 60 staff and 25 students.
- Involved in exciting experiments at CERN (LHC), neutrino studies, dark matter searches, and more.
- Coordinates the UK experimental program and supports groups at UK universities.
- 🌌 Studentship Opportunities Starting Sep/Oct 2024:
- 6 PhD studentships offered in various projects like LHC/ATLAS, LHC/FASER, LUX-ZEPLIN, MIGDAL (dark matter), DUNE/Hyper-Kamiokande, and AION (atomic interferometry).
- Students work at RAL, get registered at partner universities, and travel to experimental sites.
- Projects cover electroweak precision physics, dark matter searches, and neutrino studies.
- 📝 How to Apply:
- Applicants need an undergraduate degree in physics, proficiency in English, and eligibility for “home fee” status.
- Application includes a research interests account, CV, academic transcripts, scientific publications, and referee information.
- Deadline for applications is February 2nd; late applications considered until positions filled.
- Shortlisted candidates attend a PPD Open Day on February 20, 2024.
- 📚 Further Details of Studentships:
- More information about RAL/PPD studentships practicalities and requirements is available in PhD_practicalities.
- 📞 Contacts:
- General information about RAL/PPD PhD studentships can be obtained from Dr. Ian Tomalin.
- The director of RAL/PPD is Prof. Jens Dopke.
Designation: PhD Student
Research Area: Experimental Particle Physics
Location: STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, 25km south of Oxford, UK
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Hold an undergraduate degree in physics, preferably a UK 4-year integrated MPhys or MSci, or its international equivalent.
- Ability to work independently, demonstrate good collaborative skills, and proficiency in both written and oral English.
- Eligible for “home fee” status; applicants with “overseas” fees may still apply, but funding solutions must be provided.
Job Description:
- Undertake a 3.5-year PhD/D.Phil in experimental particle physics.
- Collaborate with PPD at RAL and a partner university; travel to experimental sites expected.
- Choose from six available projects, such as electroweak precision physics, dark matter searches, and neutrino studies.
How to Apply:
- Send an email to PAPPDDirector@stfc.ac.uk with the subject “PhD application” by 2nd February.
- Include a brief account of research interests, motivation, nationality, choice of preferred projects, CV, academic transcript, list of scientific publications, and contact information for two referees.
- Arrange for two reference letters with the subject “PhD reference letter” to be sent to the same address before the PPD Open Day.
Last Date for Apply: 2nd February (Late applications considered until positions filled)
Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates attend a PPD Open Day on 20th February 2024, matching candidates to projects through presentations and informal chats. Successful candidates apply to the partner university, and formal interviews follow.
Further Details: Detailed information on RAL/PPD studentships can be found in PhD_practicalities.
Contacts:
- General information: Dr. Ian Tomalin
- RAL/PPD Director: Prof. Jens Dopke
