DiRAC Resource Allocation Committee – Particle Physics and Nuclear Theory Sub-Panel: member vacancies

• Closing date: 18 May 2025
• Number of positions: One
• Length of term: Three years
• Time commitment: Attendance at up to two meetings per year.
• Remuneration: £170 per day.

  Travel and subsistence costs for in-person meetings when not provided in kind.

• Outcomes communicated: July or August 2025

DiRAC is the integrated supercomputing facility for theoretical modelling and high-performance computing (HPC) based research in:

• astronomy and cosmology
• astrophysics
• solar system physics
• particle astrophysics
• particle physics
• nuclear physics

The Resource Allocation Committee (RAC) was established by STFC to review proposals annually and oversee the time allocation process for computing time on the DiRAC facility.

The RAC has two sub-panels, one for particle physics and nuclear theory and one for astronomy and cosmology, each of which considers the proposals within their respective remits.

Who we’re looking for

We invite applications from individuals with expertise in the areas of:

• lattice field theory
• theoretical physics
• high energy particle physics
• quantum field theories

Prior experience of working on similar panels is desirable, but not essential.

A dynamic, diverse and inclusive panel is critical. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from:

• early careers academics
• women
• people from Black, Asian, and other ethnic minority backgrounds
• LGBTQ+ individuals
• people with disabilities
• those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds
• any other under-represented groups

What you’ll be doing

Members will:

• assess applications for time allocations on the DiRAC facility, taking appropriate account of advice from external reviewers, and make recommendations to the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Executive
• aim to achieve the optimal use of DiRAC resources, considering the RAC assessment criteria, STFC strategic priorities, including resource balancing across the different science areas, and the technical capabilities of the machines
• advise STFC Executive on any issues related to DiRAC resource allocation policy and practice

Each year, members will be required to attend the Particle Physics and Nuclear Theory Sub-Panel meeting, the RAC main panel meeting (if selected), plus any other ad-hoc activities which may arise if availability allows.

Our handbook for members of STFC’s advisory bodies will help you to understand our expectations of a panel member. The handbook also includes useful information on other topics, such as:

• equality and diversity
• conflicts of interest
• confidentiality
• our policy on travel, subsistence, and remunerated meeting fees

How to apply

Read the application guidance documents, which include:

• a preview of the application form
• questions and answers from a webinar we held in 2021
• testimonies from members of STFC panels, boards and committees

Apply using the online form on the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Engagement Hub.

How we’ll assess your application

You must demonstrate how your skills meet the assessment criteria. Applications will be assessed by a selection panel against the following criteria:

• scientific expertise in lattice field theory, theoretical physics, high energy particle physics, quantum field theories
• ability to work constructively in the area of the panel’s work and as part of a team
• knowledge of the STFC Science Challenges in Frontier Physics areas and its strategic priorities
• ability to meet the commitments and attendance requirements of the panel

All applications will be assessed based on STFC panel recruitment guidelines.

Further information

Contact Sarah Garlick with any questions.

Email: sarah.garlick@stfc.ukri.org

We are committed to the principles of fair and transparent decision-making, promoting equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). In addition to UKRI principles on EDI, STFC continues to develop a range of measures and objectives around EDI. We have undertaken an equality, diversity and inclusion impact assessment for this opportunity, see application guidance documents.

Appointments to the panel are made on merit. However, we are keen to maintain diversity in its membership.

Last updated: 11 April 2025