Job Description

Salary

Salary: AC2 42,254 - 50,253 per annum

Contractual hours

35

Basis

Full Time

Job category/type

Academic

Date posted

13/11/2025

Job reference

REQ000395

School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences

Fixed Term: 11 months

THE POST

-

Postdoctoral Research Associate

The UWS Nuclear Physics Group is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support research activities within the group. The post is available for a fixed-term period of up to 11 months, ending on 30th September 2026. The post will support programmes of research to studying phenomena in exotic atomic nuclei, such as octupole correlations and np pairing, using experiments which will take place at overseas facilities such as JYFL (Finland), ISOLDE (CERN, Switzerland), ILL Grenoble (France), and Legnaro National Laboratory (Italy). The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to experiments and will have the opportunity to develop their own programme in a relevant area. The post-holder, although based at the UWS Paisley Campus, will be expected to travel to overseas facilities to conduct experiments, where necessary. The post-holder will also contribute to other programmes of research in the UWS group.

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and well-motivated experimental scientist, with a PhD (or about to complete a PhD) in experimental nuclear physics, and with a track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with experience. The role will involve planning and running of experiments as well as analysing data, interpreting observations, and publishing results. As such, the successful candidate will have experience of data analysis, of setting-up experiments, and will also have a good understanding of state-of-the-art nuclear models. Experience of computer programming using languages such as C, C++, and Python and a working knowledge of relevant software packages such as ROOT and Radware will also be an advantage. Willingness to travel to overseas facilities is essential.

Applicants should be aware that this role is fully funded externally so is offered as fixed term for 11 months Any further extension would be considered on the renewal of that external funding.

Informal enquiries about this post should be sent to

Professor John F. Smith

Email: John.F.Smith@uws.ac.uk Tel: (44) 0141 848 3652

ABOUT US

University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland's largest and most dynamic modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought-after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.

With cutting-edge courses, modern pedagogy and practical knowledge, we enable our students and staff to experience the joy of learning, teaching, research and innovation, and apply their knowledge for the benefit of others.

UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 200 universities worldwide under 50 years old (2024 Young University Rankings).

The School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences offers industry-focussed teaching and research opportunities that deliver solutions to real-world problems. You will join an innovative and supportive team, playing a key role in driving forward our ambition to deliver transformational change, through outputs that have a tangible, early and positive impact on society across the globe. Our students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, extensive expertise in research and development, and our robust collaborations with multinational companies across the world.

UWS is fully committed to the

UK Concordat to support the Career Development of Researchers

which sets out clear standards that research staff can expect from the University. It aims to improve the employment and support for research careers in the UK and provides a framework for career development based around the Concordat principles.

We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:

35 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays An additional days leave on your birthday Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers Fitness facilities across our campuses Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme Professional, career and research development opportunities.

Interview Date: Week commencing Monday 8th December

Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the salary scale (unless by exception, where evidence would need to be provided)

The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

You can find out more about how the University uses your personal data as part of the recruitment process by looking at the UWS HR Applicant Privacy Notice at www.uws.ac.uk

UWS are committed signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant.

UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.

UWS is a "Disability Confident" employer.

University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520.