Join to apply for the Research Associate in Antihydrogen Physics role at The University of Manchester.
The ALPHA experiment at CERN addresses a key challenge in physics – understanding the disparities between matter and antimatter that have shaped our matter‑dominated universe. Focused on precise atomic physics measurements, the project aims to uncover minute differences between trapped antihydrogen and hydrogen atoms. In the realm of antimatter gravitation and spectroscopic studies, achieving the highest precision demands meticulous control and understanding of the magnetic environment.
The ALPHA‑g experiment employs magnetic fields to balance the effects of gravitational potential on antimatter. This project will perform the first attempt to quantitatively measure the acceleration of antihydrogen due to Earth’s gravitational field through the stochastic application of dipole heating pulses on a trapped antihydrogen population. The selected candidate will be central to this effort and develop the optical system and experimental techniques for use in the ALPHA‑g gravitation experiment. The project also includes the development of a hydrogen dissociation for use in equivalent measurements with trapped hydrogen experiments in ALPHA. The successful candidate will also actively contribute to the broader ALPHA physics program, encompassing gravitational measurements and general spectroscopy campaigns.
Based at CERN, this experimental initiative involves manipulating trapped electron plasmas for use as magnetometers. It also entails developing and deploying electronics to enhance and optimise control of the antihydrogen magnetic trap system. Further, this candidate will help establish the development of stochastic acceleration of trapped anti‑atoms for use in future gravitation experiments. The successful candidate will also actively contribute to the broader ALPHA physics program, encompassing gravitational measurements and general spectroscopy campaigns.
Responsibilities
The role involves developing and maintaining the optical system and experimental techniques for the ALPHA‑g gravitation experiment, designing and implementing control electronics for the magnetic trap system, manipulating trapped electron plasmas as magnetometers, and contributing to spectroscopic campaigns.
Qualifications
* Substantial experimental experience with trapped ions or atoms.
* Background in atomic physics and familiarity with optics, high‑power lasers and associated instrumentation and control systems.
Benefits
* 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
The Department of Physics and Astronomy is committed to promoting Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Access, championing Athena SWAN charter for promoting women’s careers in STEMM subjects. The Department has held JUNO Champion status since 2016.
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 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.
Contact Information
Name: Will Bertsche
Email: william.bertsche@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries: Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support: 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.
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