Dr P Williams, Dr I Bailey
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
In collaboration with our partners in the Cockcroft Institute of Accelerator Science and Technology, the accelerator physics group in the department of physics at the University of Lancaster has a PhD studentship available for September 2018.
Accelerator physics develops the tools to address fundamental questions about the nature of the world: from particle physics to biology. To generate particle beams with higher energies or higher intensities than those available today requires innovations which range from the highly theoretical to hands-on engineering and technical work. This project gives you the opportunity to become involved in research to produce intense particle beams of high power with a wide range of applications.
To date, major accelerator-based scientific facilities have mostly taken the form of ‘synchrotrons’ (e.g. the Large Hadron Collider) or single-pass linear accelerators (e.g. European XFEL). However, these solutions may not be optimal. New developments in particle beam dynamics and the maturity of superconducting technology, gives us an intriguing opportunity to forge a step-change in accelerator performance through the deployment of high energy ‘multiple-pass recirculating linacs’. When correctly configured such devices promise for the first time the simultaneous production of high ‘brightness’ beams at high power. This will have far reaching implications for particle and nuclear physics when implemented as a collider, and for the life sciences and industry when implemented as a Free-Electron Laser.
This PhD project will entail the study and optimisation of recirculating linac (linear accelerator) architectures in the context of three proposed accelerator facilities: the CERN-based Large Hadron Electron Collider (LHeC), the US Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) and the UK X-Ray Free Electron Laser (UK-XFEL). There may be an opportunity for you to spend time overseas at Jefferson Lab (USA), so willingness to travel would be an advantage.
Qualifications applicants should have/expect to receive: The successful candidate will have or expect to obtain a first or upper second-class degree or equivalent (e.g. MPhys, MSci) in physics. Experience of computer simulations and/or accelerator physics is desirable but not essential as training will be provided.
Funding and eligibility
The project is fully funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council for 3.5 years; UK and other EU citizens are eligible to apply. A full package of training and support will be provided by the Cockcroft Institute where the student will be part of a vibrant accelerator research and education community of over 150 people. Those students whose first language is not English should refer to Lancaster University's information on English language requirements for postgraduate students.
Lancaster Physics Department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award and JUNO Championship status and is strongly committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our department.
Please contact Dr Ian Bailey ([Email Address Removed]) or Dr Peter Williams ([Email Address Removed]) for further information.
For more general information about PhD study in Physics at Lancaster please contact our postgraduate admissions staff at [Email Address Removed].
You can also apply directly at http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/physics/postgraduate/how-to-apply/ stating the title of the project and the name of the supervisor.
Application Closing Date: 12th January 2018
Anticipated Start Date: September 2018
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