Assistant Professor in CERN-Related Physics and Detector Development Full-time NEW

Assistant Professor in CERN-Related Physics and Detector Development

The Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, Denmark, invites applications for a 2-year Assistant Professor position, possibly extendable to 3 years, in experimental CERN-related physics. The Department aims to strengthen and further develop its research activities within experimental physics related to CERN. The Department has long-standing expertise in CERN-related physics, with research activities in anti-hydrogen physics, low-energy nuclear physics, and strong-field quantum electrodynamics. More recently, the Department has expanded its research portfolio to include relativistic heavy-ion physics. The new Assistant Professor will contribute to this effort by strengthening the Department's activities in detector development for CERN experiments while creating synergies with the activities of the existing CERN-related physics research group.

Expected start date and duration of employment The position is available from February 1st, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. This is a 2-year fixed-term position ending on January 31st, 2029, possibly extendable by 1 year.

Job description The successful candidate is expected to establish and lead research activities in detector development for CERN-based experiments. Relevant research areas include high-energy nuclear physics (ALICE, e.g,. ITS3 or FoCal), including associated data analysis tools and readout electronics, low-energy nuclear physics at ISOLDE (e.g., the ISOLDE Decay Station, IDS), and the development of the Luminosity Calorimeter (LumiCal) for the Future Circular Collider (FCC). The position is funded under the national CERN lighthouse initiative to strengthen Denmark's engagement with CERN.

Your profile The ideal candidate has strong backgrounds in particle and/or nuclear physics (experimental as well as theoretical), detector development and testing, electronics and data analysis techniques and good knowledge of accelerator physics. The successful candidate must as a minimum:

• Hold a PhD in Physics or a closely related field
• Have demonstrated the ability to conduct independent research at high international level
• Have documented experience in teaching and supervision at university level and an ambition to strengthen these competences e.g. through taking on the responsibility of a physics course at the department and completing the university pedagogical programme
• Demonstrate strong potential to establish an independent research programme
• Demonstrate the ability to engage in local, national and international research collaborations
• Be able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing

Who we are The Department of Physics and Astronomy (IFA) is part of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Aarhus University. We conduct excellent, internationally recognized research across a broad range of fields within physics and astronomy and provide research-based education at Bachelor, Master and PhD levels. The Department is home to a vibrant community of researchers, technical and administrative staff, PhD students, and undergraduate and graduate students who all contribute to a dynamic and inspiring environment.

What we offer The successful candidate will join an ambitious, international and collaborative research environment with strong support for both professional and personal development. The Department offers excellent opportunities to develop an independent research profile, establish new collaborations, and contribute to the education and supervision of students at all levels. We foster an inclusive working culture characterized by openness, mutual respect, and a healthy work-life balance.

Place of work and area of employment The place of work is Ny Munkegade 120, 8000 Aarhus C, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

Contact information For further information, please contact: Head of Department, Professor Ulrik Ingerslev Uggerhøj, phone +4523382373, email ulrik@phys.au.dk.

Deadline The application deadline is November 6th, 2026.