STFC Particle Physics Advisory Panel: member vacancies

• Closing date: 27 April 2026
• Number of positions: Three
• Length of term: Appointments will be for three years from October 2026
• Time commitment: The panel organises hybrid meetings as required and an annual in-person meeting
• Remuneration: £170 per day for members; £230 per day for panel chair
• Outcomes communicated: August 2026

The purpose of the Particle Physics Advisory Panel (PPAP) is to provide a link between Science Board and the community, and represent the needs of the community to the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

Who we’re looking for

PPAP welcomes applications from individuals who meet the requirements with any of the following expertise:

• computing, software and e-infrastructure
• dark matter
• particle astrophysics
• energy frontier
• theory
• accelerators

We welcome applications in these areas which meet the following criteria.

Essential:

• ability to work across disciplines and separate from personal biases
• ability to work constructively in the area of the panel’s work
• ability to meet the commitments and attendance requirements of the panel
• disciplinary expertise within the panel’s remit
• technical expertise and knowledge
• awareness and knowledge of the future of the field
• knowledge of the STFC strategy
• collaborative working
• understanding of the cost of scientific research, projects, and an appreciation of research costings generally

What you’ll be doing

The advisory panel is tasked to:

• maintain an overview of activities within the area
• develop and maintain a science vision and long-term strategy or roadmap by assessing the merit of current and future science opportunities
• develop and maintain a technology roadmap for their area of research
• consult and interact with the community to ensure its views are canvassed and there is an appropriate and effective route for communication with STFC on strategic programmatic issues
• provide advice to Science Board on specific questions as requested
• liaise with other advisory panels when appropriate
• report on its activities to Science Board on a regular basis

The science strategy developed by the advisory panel will be used by Science Board as input to ongoing strategy development and in future programmatic reviews.

The panel consists of a chair and deputy and up to 12 other members. The panel size represents the size of the community and the need to ensure that the panel membership fully reflects the breadth of the community.

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 UKRI Engagement Hub.

How we’ll assess your application

Applications will be assessed against the following selection criteria. Demonstrate how you meet the criteria in your application:

• relevant scientific expertise in one or more of the areas outlined
• experience of assessing grant applications or peer review
• skills in participating and balancing views, arguments and interests of other participants

All applications will be assessed based on STFC panel recruitment guidelines and in consultation with the committee chair.

Further information

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 advisory panel are made on merit. However, we are keen to maintain diversity in its membership. Applications from women, those with a disability or members of minority ethnic groups are therefore especially welcome.

Last updated: 14 April 2026