Assistant Professor in Nuclear Physics (Research and Education) - School of Physics and Astronomy -

Job Description

Position Details

School of Physics and Astronomy

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 8, salary £55,295

Full Time, Permanent

Closing date: 8th April 2025

UK and International travel may be required for this role

Academic Development Programme - new Assistant Professors will undertake a 5-year development programme, at the end of which they are expected to be promoted to Associate Professor. The programme consists of a variety of development opportunities and the time to reflect and develop.

Background

The School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham seeks to appoint an Assistant Professor with strong expertise and a demonstrated scientific track record in nuclear physics, to coordinate and lead the science programme on Applied Nuclear Physics, with a particular focus on research at the School's accelerator facilities. The accelerators comprise the Birmingham MC40 Cyclotron; and the High Flux Accelerator-Driven Neutron Facility (HF-ADNeF), a new national facility that is part of the National Nuclear User Facility (NNUF) project, an important Government investment in the UK's nuclear future to provide state-of-the-art experimental facilities for research and development in nuclear science and technology.

Based in the School of Physics and Astronomy, the accelerators support a broad range of research across many disciplines, including fundamental nuclear physics, fission- and fusion-related studies, novel medical isotopes, dosimetry for radiotherapy, radiobiology, materials damage as well as detector and high-power target development. There is also a drive to increase research in the applied areas of nuclear data, neutron production, detection and neutron spectrum unfolding. The successful applicant will support and develop new internal, University of Birmingham research programmes in applied nuclear physics linked to the facilities; engage with external users to coordinate related activities; have their own strong programme of research using both the Birmingham facilities and international facilities; collaborate effectively with the existing Nuclear Physics Group and Accelerator Team; and, represent the Nuclear Physics Group and Accelerators within the University of Birmingham and externally at national and international meetings.

The successful applicant will sit within the Nuclear Physics Group in the School of Physics and Astronomy, as part of a dynamic team utilising the unique combination of nuclear facilities based in the School and at national and international laboratories. They will require the necessary background and expertise to contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate education programmes in the School, in particular in nuclear technologies and nuclear physics.

Role specifications include the following:

• PhD in Nuclear Physics.
• Strong background in nuclear science.
• Background in accelerator-based measurements and instrumentation applicable to applied nuclear physics studies or neutron-based measurements.
• An understanding of nuclear interactions and experience in planning and implementing accelerator-based measurements, including Monte-Carlo simulations, reaction calculations, spectroscopy (i.e. charged particle, gamma or neutron detection), and awareness of material activation mechanisms and radioactive waste minimisation.
• Evidence of effectively engaging with academic and wider user communities.
• Demonstrated publication and scientific track record in a field relevant to the Applied Nuclear Physics.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is a world-leading physics department, excelling in both research and teaching. Our physics research was recently ranked top in the UK for 4-star-category research, and 4th by GPA, by the Research Excellence Framework 2021. The 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Professor Mike Kosterlitz and Professor David Thouless jointly for their work into the discoveries of the properties of matter, work which started when they were at Birmingham together. The 2017 Prize was awarded for the detection of gravitational waves, in which Birmingham staff played a key role. The School is an excellent environment for an upcoming academic.

The School's research portfolio is wide-ranging, and covers three principal themes: Quantum Matter; Particle and Nuclear Physics; and Astronomy and Experimental Gravity. It has over 120 academic and research staff together with 120 graduate students with around 50 technical and clerical support staff.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School's commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups in Physics and Astronomy including, but not limited to, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Groups.

Role Summary

You will contribute to a range of research, teaching and administration. In addition you will be expected to demonstrate academic citizenship, developing and maintaining generous, mutually respectful and supportive working relationships with all staff and students, and ensuring the way you carry out your role impacts positively on how others can carry out theirs.

Teaching is likely to include a substantial contribution to: (a) the management, development (including programme/module review) and delivery of teaching and assessment; and (b) enhancement of the student experience or employability. The role will typically also involve developing and advising others, including: (a) providing expert advice to staff and students, (b) supervising and examining PhD students, and (c) developing and advising others on learning and teaching tasks and methods.

Research is likely to involve initiating, conducting and disseminating original research. Your research will have measurable outcomes reflected in your growing national (and ideally international) reputation.

Management and administration is likely to involve contributions at Departmental and School level, and/or making an important contribution to some managerial/leadership activities (e.g. working groups) within the University. This may include developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement, widening participation, schools outreach, or similar activities at Department/School level or further within the University.

Main Duties

Education

Using a variety of methods in teaching and advising individuals and groups of undergraduates, postgraduates, or CPD students, including (as appropriate):

• teaching and examining courses at a range of levels;
• planning and reviewing your own teaching approaches and encouraging others to do the same;
• designing contemporary, inclusive, engaging and academically challenging curriculum content;
• working collaboratively with colleagues to design and deliver teaching, learning and assessment;
• using digital resources/environments effectively to support learning and assessment;
• developing programme proposals and making substantial contributions to the design of teaching programmes more widely;
• where appropriate, undertaking and developing the full range of responsibilities in relation to supervision, marking and examining;
• developing and advising others on learning and teaching tasks and methods;
• developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement activities or similar on own specialism that enhances the student experience or employability and which benefits the College and University;
• devising and supervising projects, student dissertations and practical work.

Research

Planning and carrying out research, including (as appropriate):

• planning and publishing high quality research, including winning financial support;
• project managing research activities, and/or supervising other research staff;
• presenting findings in publications and conference proceedings;
• effectively supervising and mentoring PhD students or early Career Researchers;
• providing expert advice to staff and students within the discipline;
• participating in research-related enabling activities such as adding value to a cross disciplinary network;
• applying knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding;
• developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, and enterprise (including business engagement, public engagement) and similar activity that is of benefit to the College and the University, including ensuring that the impact of your activities is realised fully and the impact is documented.

Management/Administration

Contributing to Departmental/School administration, including:

• contributing to the administration/management of research and/or teaching across the Department/School;
• leading and managing a team to devise and implement a new and/or revised process (e.g. new programme or a recruitment drive);
• advising on personal development of colleagues and students;
• making a major contribution to some administrative activities within the University (e.g. appeals panels, working groups);
• managing enterprise, business development, and public engagement activities;
• developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement, widening participation, schools outreach.
• actively manages equality, diversity and inclusion through monitoring and evaluation and actively challenging unacceptable behaviour.

Citizenship

Contributing to an inclusive working environment:

• demonstrating a willingness to be involved in a variety of activities supporting University life (e.g., participation in graduation, Departmental/School committees);
• demonstrating support for colleagues, such as sharing resources, providing advice;
• willingness to volunteer for one-off duties (such as supporting School, Institute, and Departmental projects);
• positively engaging in School strategic initiatives;
• proactive support and involvement in activities specifically contributing to a positive and inclusive community spirit across the School/College/University.

Person Specification

• PhD in Nuclear Physics.
• Strong background in nuclear science.
• Background in accelerator based measurements and instrumentation applicable to applied nuclear physics studies or neutron-based measurements.
• An understanding of nuclear interactions and experience in planning and implementing accelerator-based measurements, including Monte-Carlo simulations, reaction calculations, spectroscopy (i.e. charged particle, gamma or neutron detection), and awareness of material activation mechanism and radioactive waste minimisation.
• Evidence of effectively engaging with academic and wider user communities.
• Demonstrated impact.
• Established publication and scientific track record in a field relevant to the Applied Nuclear Physics.
• Skills in managing, motivating and mentoring others successfully at all levels.

Teaching

• Ability to design, deliver, assess and revise teaching programmes.
• Extensive experience and demonstrated success in developing appropriate approaches to learning and teaching, and advising colleagues.
• Experience and success in knowledge transfer, enterprise and similar activity that enhances the student experience or employability.

Research

• Experience and achievement reflected in a growing reputation.
• Extensive experience and demonstrated success in planning, undertaking and project managing research to deliver high quality results.
• Extensive experience of applying and/or developing and devising successful models, techniques and methods.
• Experience and achievement in knowledge transfer, enterprise and similar activity.

Management Administration

• Ability to contribute to School/Departmental management processes.
• Ability to assess and organise resources effectively.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
• Experience of championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in own work area.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate the extent to which equality and diversity legislation, policies, procedures are applied.
• Ability to identify issues with the potential to impact on protected groups and take appropriate action.

You should make sure to attach the following to your application: a CV, including full publication list; a statement of future research plans and objectives; a statement on your teaching experience; and contact details for three referees.

Informal enquiries to Professor David Evans, email: d.evans@bham.ac.uk and/or Professor Carl Wheldon, email: C.Wheldon@bham.ac.uk

View our staff values and behaviours here

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.

You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.