Call for applications to STFC advisory bodies and peer review panels 2022

Closing date for applications is Monday 15 May 2022.

Every year, a number of vacancies become available on the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) advisory bodies and peer review panels. These bodies perform a vital function for STFC, providing advice and guidance that aids our strategic direction and supports our decision-making processes.

STFC cover funding for Frontier Science Programme core areas (the PPAN areas of particle physics, particle astrophysics, astronomy, and nuclear physics, alongside the accelerator science and computing programmes that accompany them) but also run Facilities and Advisory Panels, therefore, we interested in your expertise in different types of the main core areas where applicable.

Members have the opportunity to influence STFC’s strategy, policies, and funding decisions, as well as guiding STFC to develop the societal impact of our investments and best support our research and innovation communities. Members will also be able to expand their professional networks and explore a wide range of challenges related to investment in UK science and engineering.

Please read our 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.

We are committed to the principles of fair and transparent decision-making, promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). In addition to the 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.

We would like to encourage everyone to consider this opportunity. We would also urge colleagues to share these details with everyone in their networks and teams – including any specific diversity networks that exist within your institution.

We want to encourage a diverse range of applicants to all our panels and have a target of 30% in relation to the underrepresented gender (for STFC women) on our panels. We collect other diversity related information, to understand whether our panels are more broadly representative and to inform any future action we might take in this area. We therefore encourage all applicants to share information about themselves. This information will be anonymised and aggregated, to protect individual identity.

We are also highlighting the opportunity for early career candidates to apply for certain vacancies. This has been clearly indicated in the text for specific panels.

The specific requirements for each vacancy are clearly listed, and all applications will be assessed via an appropriate review process. Applications will be assessed on the evidence presented in the application. We are seeking applications from academia, government, industry, the ‘third sector’ or civil society communities (including charities) relevant to STFC’s grant programmes, and from the communities supported by STFC facilities. Submissions from STFC employees (for example scientists, technologists,  project managers or engineers) who meet the criteria for panels are also welcome.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the panel membership. We are committed to helping you with the application and appointment processes and have tried to make the information clear and accessible.

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, and our policy on travel, subsistence, and remunerated meeting fees.

This is an annual opportunity and, as a result, membership may commence at different times. For most committees and panels members will be appointed for 3 years unless otherwise stated. Communities are asked strongly to encourage their relevant network and colleagues to participate. Please pass on the details of this page. Please note, all applicants should apply directly.

If appropriate STFC may open the opportunity up again to encourage a wider pool of applicants and to ensure that we have a balance across the different range of representation and experiences we are seeking. We encourage all members of our community to either put themselves forward for membership of our boards and panels or to recommend other qualified candidates to apply themselves.

 

Further details and application form

• Read the applicant guidance and FAQs.
• Preview of the application form.

Contact

Natalia Sengkudduvan

Email: natalia.sengkudduvan@stfc.ukri.org or psg@ukri.stfc.org

Application form

• Apply for membership of STFC advisory bodies and peer review panels – opportunity 2022.

Read the specific details for panels, committees and boards before making your application.

STFC panels with vacancies in the 2022 opportunity

• Advisory panel for public engagement
• Astronomy advisory panel (AAP)
• CERN fellowship panel
• DiRAC Resource Allocation Committee (DiRAC) – Particle Physics and Nuclear Theory Sub-Panel
• Education Training and Careers Committee
• Ernest Rutherford Fellowship
• Industrial CASE Panel Membership opportunity
• Industry and Business Partnership Board
• Innovation Board
• Life Sciences and Soft Materials Advisory Panel (LS&SMAP)
• Nuclear Physics Advisory Panel
• Nuclear Physics Grants Panel
• Particle Astrophysics Adviory Panel
• Particle Physics Advisory Panel (PPAP)
• Particle Physics Grant Panel (PPGP)
• Physical Sciences and Engineering Advisory Panel (PS&EAP)
• Projects Peer Review Panel (PPRP)
• Science Board
• Solar System Advisory Panel (SSAP)
• Technology and Accelerator Advisory Board.

Panels accepting applications from early careers

• Advisory Panel for Public Engagement
• Astronomy Advisory Panel (AAP)
• CERN Fellowship Panel
• DiRAC Resource Allocation Committee (DiRAC) – Particle Physics and Nuclear Theory Sub-Panel
• Education Training and Careers Committee
• Ernest Rutherford Fellowship
• Industrial CASE Panel Membership opportunity
• Industry and Business Partnership Board
• Life Sciences and Soft Materials Advisory Panel (LS&SMAP)
• Nuclear Physics Advisory Panel
• Nuclear Physics Grants Panel
• Particle Astrophysics Advisory Panel
• Particle Physics Advisory Panel (PPAP)
• Particle Physics Grant Panel (PPGP)
• Physical Sciences and Engineering Advisory Panel (PS&EAP)
• Solar System Advisory Panel (SSAP)
• Technology and Accelerator Advisory Board.

Panels accepting applications from industry

• Advisory Panel for Public Engagement
• DiRAC Resource Allocation Committee
• Education Training and Careers Committee
• Industrial CASE Studentships Panel
• Industry and Business Partnership Board
• Innovation Board
• Life Sciences and Soft Materials Advisory Panel
• Particle Astrophysics Advisory Panel
• Physical Sciences and Engineering Advisory Panel (PS&EAP)
• Projects Peer Review Panel (PPRP)
• Technology Accelerator Advisory Board.

Advisory panel for public engagement 2022

The Advisory Panel for Public Engagement (APPE) 2022 provides advice to Council, STFC Executive and STFC Public Engagement teams on strategy, policies and programme balance for public engagement with STFC’s science and technology and provides new ideas for programme development. The work of the panel covers the full STFC public engagement programme, delivered between STFC’s national laboratories and the Council’s head office in Swindon.

This year, there are up to 8 vacancies on the panel. We are particularly keen to receive applications from individuals working in industry, teachers and educators, science centres, policy bodies, professional societies, from non-STFC research laboratories and institutes and from different sectors which place engagement with people and communities at the heart of their practice. We welcome applications from individuals across all career stages, subject to demonstration of the proportionate required expertise.

Successful applicants will demonstrate expertise in 1 of the following APPE Selection Criteria:

• expertise in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of a range of public engagement programmes

or:

• expertise in supporting public engagement delivery in academic or public facing contexts (for example those in ‘public engagement professional’ roles). Public and private sector experience welcome

or:

• expertise in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of a range of community or youth engagement programmes
• wide-ranging knowledge of the public engagement and STEM inspiration landscape in the UK (essential) and beyond (desirable)
• knowledge of the STFC public engagement strategy and wider STFC strategies and priorities.

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunities. 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. We will use diversity of membership as part of our selection criteria where we have 2 or more equally qualified or appointable candidates.

Membership will begin at the October 2022 meeting of the advisory panel, and appointments will initially be for 3 years. The panel meets twice a year, usually in May and October, and meetings are typically 2 days long and at least 1 meeting per year will include an overnight stay at a UK location. The panel operates via facilitated group working and problem-solving so enthusiasm for or experience of such methods is required. Some working group activity is expected outside of full APPE meetings.

For further information

Jennie Chambers

Email: jenni.chambers@stfc.ukri.org

Astronomy Advisory Panel (AAP)

STFC advisory panels report to STFC Science Board, providing a route for consultation and interaction with the community. The panels draft and maintain roadmaps describing current and future research opportunities in their areas.

The astronomy advisory panel will have a number of vacancies arising in the next 12 months.  We welcome applications from those with expertise covering all areas of astronomy.

AAP selection criteria:

• demonstrate an understanding of the national and international contexts relating to this field
• demonstrate skills in communication, team-working and strategic thinking.

The membership term is nominally a 3-year appointment.

The successful applicants will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the astronomy programme.

For further information

Michelle Cooper

Email: michelle.cooper@stfc.ukri.org

CERN fellowships panel

Applications for a vacancy to the CERN Fellowships panel are encouraged for 2022 as our chair finishes their 3 year term of office. We strive to have a balanced panel both from a science perspective of theory and diversity.

The panel currently consists of 4 particle physics assessors, 3 experimentalists and 1 theorist. The panel membership usually changes by 1 person on 1 January each year with membership lasting for up to 4 years with an option to act as panel chair towards the end of the panel membership. This year the vacancy is for a theorist.

How the panel operates:

The CERN Fellowships scheme invites applications from graduates for Fellowships at CERN from all its member states. The UK CERN Fellowships panel reviews the applications in particle physics and agrees a marking of 1 to 5 stars that then provide input to the CERN selection committee on UK applicants. Applications to assess are received from CERN in March and September each year. The review is carried out entirely by online access to the CERN site using the set of criteria provided by them to rank the applications. The panel discuss the rankings and comments for each candidate and once agreed these are sent to STFC to update the CERN application site.

The final decision on the applications is made at the twice-yearly Associates and Fellowship Committee (AFC) at CERN. STFC is informed of the results and the panel are updated on the decisions of the AFC.

CERN Fellowship Panel members are expected to:

• meet the timescale deadlines of the applications
• work together with the other panel members to agree a consistent ranking mark
• advise STFC on the merits of the UK applications for CERN Fellowships
• adhere to the EDI policy for UKRI and STFC.

CERN Fellowships Panel selection criteria:

• knowledge of particle physics theory
• awareness of CERN fellowships
• understanding of Early Career trajectory
• experience of assessing early career applications such as for fellowships
• knowledge of ED&I and good practice.

For further information

Nicky Bladen-Hovell

Email: nicky.bladen-hovell@stfc.ukri.org

Alternatively, visit the CERN website.

DiRAC Resource Allocation Committee – Particle Physics & Nuclear Theory Sub-Panel

DiRAC is the integrated supercomputing facility for theoretical modelling and HPC-based research in particle physics, astrophysics, cosmology, and nuclear physics, all areas in which the UK is world-leading.

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 2 Sub-Panels, 1 for Particle Physics and Nuclear Theory and 1 for Astronomy and Cosmology, each of which consider the proposals within their respective remits.

Members will:

• assess applications for time allocations on the above facility, taking appropriate account of advice from external reviewers, and make recommendations to 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.

There is 1 vacancy on the DiRAC RAC Particle Physics and Nuclear Theory Sub-Panel later this year. Membership will begin on 01 October 2022 for 3 years. Prior experience of working on similar panels is desirable, but not essential, and we welcome early career academics, providing they can demonstrate suitable expertise.

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

DiRAC members are expected to:

• be able to work constructively in the area of the panel’s work and as part of a team
• have knowledge of the STFC Roadmap; Frontier Physics areas and its strategic priorities
• be able to meet the commitments and attendance requirements of the panel.

We invite applications from individuals with expertise in the areas of lattice gauge theories, beyond the Standard Model Physics, and perturbative aspects of QCD in the framework of Lattice regularisation.

For further information

Sarah Garlick

Email: sarah.garlick@stfc.ukri.org

 

Education Training and Careers Committee

Applications to the STFC Education Training and Careers Committee are invited. The successful applicants will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of studentships and fellowships policy and strategy.

The committee provides advice to STFC Council and the Executive on strategy, policies, and programme balance for all aspects of education and training relevant to the STFC core programme including studentships, fellowships, equality issues and career development of early career researchers. The committee oversees the allocation of STFC Doctoral Training Partnerships, the peer review and award of fellowships and Industrial CASE studentships and the quality of training provided by these programmes. The committee meets 3 times a year and members usually serve on the Fellowships panel at some point during their term.

This opportunity welcomes applicants from different career stages and diverse backgrounds who can demonstrate the appropriate skills, expertise and experience listed in the criteria.

STFC is inviting applications from individuals, particularly with the following areas of expertise:

• Nuclear Physics
• Particle Physics Theory

Committee members are expected to:

• be able to meet the commitments and attendance requirements of the Committee
• work constructively in the area of the Committee’s work
• represent a balance across disciplines, experiments, and institutions
  follow UKRI’s and STFC’s EDI principles and procedures.

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

• experience of assessing grant applications/peer review, particularly for early career applicants such as fellowships
• experience and interest in strategy and policy with respect to early careers including doctoral and early careers
• experience of EDI issues
• knowledge of PPAN science areas
• knowledge of the strategy of STFC.

For further information

Jennifer Varallo

Email: jennifer.varallo@stfc.ukri.org

Ernest Rutherford Fellowship Panel

Applications to the Ernest Rutherford Fellowship Panel are invited. Up to 10 Ernest Rutherford Fellowships are offered each year which provide 5 years of funding to outstanding researchers at an early stage of their career. The Ernest Rutherford Fellowships will enable early career researchers with clear leadership potential to establish a strong, independent research programme. They will encourage talented researchers in UK universities to remain in the country and at the same time attract outstanding overseas researchers to the UK.

Members of the Ernest Rutherford Panel will be asked to recommend appropriate expert peer reviewers, attend sift/prioritisation meetings and interview panels.

This opportunity welcomes applicants from different career stages and diverse backgrounds who can demonstrate the appropriate skills, expertise, and experience.

STFC is inviting applications from individuals with the following areas of expertise:

• Particle astrophysics and cosmology
• Astronomy extragalactic
• Astronomy near universe
• Astronomy near exoplanet/solar
• Nuclear physics
• Particle physics theory
• Particle physics experiment
• Accelerator physics

Panel members will be expected to:

• be able to meet the commitments and attendance requirements of the panel.  This will involve selecting reviewers for applications in your field of expertise, scoring and assessment prior to sift meetings, attendance for 1 or 2 days at sift, preparing candidate feedback following sift meetings and preparation work prior to interviews if required.  Interviews will be held over 4 days
• have the ability to work across research disciplines and separate from personal biases
• adhere to UKRI’s EDI policy and procedures.

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

• experience of assessing grant applications/peer review
• knowledge of PPAN science areas
• knowledge of the strategy of STFC
• skills in participating and balancing views, arguments, and interests of other participants
• understanding Early Career trajectory.

For further information

Susan Blackwell

Email: susan.blackwell@stfc.ukri.org

Industrial CASE Panel Membership opportunity

Applications to the STFC Industrial CASE Panel (Cooperative Awards in Science & Technology) are invited. The Industrial CASE and CASE Plus funding opportunities award 3 to 5 studentships each year. This studentship competition provides support for PhD students to work in collaboration with a non-academic partner on projects that fall within the STFC core science programme in astronomy, particle physics, nuclear physics and accelerator science; or that aim to apply technologies or techniques developed within the programme into other areas.

Find out more detailed information about the scheme.

This opportunity encourages applicants from different career stages and diverse backgrounds who can demonstrate the appropriate skills, expertise and experience listed in the criteria.

STFC is inviting applications from individuals, particularly with the following areas of expertise:

• Nuclear Physics

Panel members will be expected to:

• be able to meet commitments and attendance requirements of the panel (reading and scoring the proposals and a half day teleconference)
• be able to work across disciplines and separate from personal biases
  adhere to UKRI EDI policy and procedures.

Applications will be assessed for suitability based on the evidence provided against the following criteria:

• interdisciplinary knowledge of PPAN science areas
• knowledge of strategy of STFC
• experience working with industry / producing impact from scientific projects
• peer review / panel experience
• broad interdisciplinary knowledge or experience and potentially links with industry in all STFC remits.

For further information

Jemma Wilson

Email: jemma.wilson@stfc.ukri.org

Industry and Business Partnership Board

STFC operates large science infrastructures on behalf of the UK at its National Science and Innovation Campuses at Harwell, SciTech Daresbury and the UKATC in Edinburgh. These National Laboratories serve a wide community of academic and industrial researchers from different sectors including space, pharmaceutical, advanced manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and electronics.

The Industry and Business Partnership Board (IBP) aims to bring together leaders of major partners in industry to build and further strengthen the connections of STFC to businesses. Industry led, it will provide advice to STFC on growing and enhancing the industrial research use of the facilities. The Industry and Business Partnership Board will meet 3 times a year. The minutes of the meetings will be reported to STFC Council.

STFC is looking to recruit panel members for the Industry and Business Partnership Board. There are up to 3 vacancies available with the term of membership for 3 years commencing September 2022.

The Industry and Business Partnership Board will:

• provide advice and recommendations on the industry and business strategy for STFC
• define and recommend an industrial engagement plan that is effective and efficient for all parties involved
• define and recommend an appropriate means of articulating the benefits of engagement for both sides, including direct commercial facility use and the manufacturing supply chain feeding into STFC
  provide advice and guidance on future enhancement of skills and expertise development required by industry
• review and capture global best practice with respect to industrial engagement by national facilities to inform strategy and engagement plans
• maximise alignment to and leverage of funding mechanisms and other government funding initiatives and policy.

Timetable for appointment (draft planning)

• 1 April 2022 – opportunity opens
• 15 May 2022 – opportunity closes at midnight GMT
• Week commencing 13 June 2022 – shortlisting
• Week commencing to be confirmed – candidate interviews
• Week commencing to be confirmed – panel decision letters issued/members confirmed
• IBP Board meeting 14 October 2022

Selection criteria

It is intended that the board will have representation from a variety of industry sectors, reflecting the broad spectrum of research carried out at STFC’s facilities. Members of the external advisory group will be selected based on the evidence provided against the following criteria:

• extensive experience at a senior level in an industrial research environment or working at the interface between industry and academia
• proven ability to provide advice at a strategic level with the ability to exercise judgement across a broad spectrum of policy and research issues
• a knowledge of the role of the UK research infrastructure, and understanding of STFC’s programmes and its priorities
• awareness of the national and international scientific and funding landscapes in which STFC operates
• a demonstrable ability to think and act strategically, and address difficult decisions across a broad spectrum of issues
• confident and well informed in debate
• ability to quickly form positive working relationships with a wide range of people
• ability to commit the necessary time and attention to the role and where appropriate, have the full support of their employer and organisation.

Please upload a copy of your CV in the online application process.

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunities. Appointments to the Industry and Business Partnership Board are made on merit. However, we are keen to maintain diversity in its membership. The board will ensure that its business is conducted in accordance with the STFC Ethics Policy, and have regard to any ethical principles set by the ethics committee and endorsed by Council.

For further information

Dymphie Webb

Email: dymphie.webb@stfc.ac.uk

Innovation Board

STFC supports innovation opportunities arising from its research portfolio through the commercialisation of technologies, industrial use of the National Laboratories and the creation of innovation eco-systems on the National Science and Innovation Campuses at Sci-Tech Daresbury and Harwell. Strategic advice on the range of activities to deliver on the innovation goals set out in STFC’s Delivery Plan is provided by the Innovation Board, which reports to STFC Council.

STFC is looking to recruit an independent non-executive advisory panel member to their Innovation Board.

The term of membership will ordinarily be for 2 years, commencing in September 2022, with the possibility of reappointment. Members are asked to attend meetings up to 4 times a year with other business conducted via email. Please note these roles are not remunerated.

Applications are invited from individuals with substantial experience of research led, or industry led innovation and delivering new business derived at the intersection of academia and industry.

The Innovation Board will provide strategic advice on:

• the content, balance, and priorities of STFC’s existing innovation programmes
• engaging with innovation activities across UKRI and new approaches to delivering innovation within STFC
• STFC’s participation in the research and innovation campuses at Harwell and Daresbury, and leadership of the innovation opportunities at these locations
• how STFC can capitalise on its expertise and experience in innovation, and how STFC’s contribution to innovation can best be promoted to stakeholders and government
• approaches to capturing, measuring and communicating the impact derived from innovation activities supported by STFC, both in the shorter term and longer term, including the criteria for success.

Selection criteria

It is intended that the Innovation Board will have representation from academia and industry, providing expertise across the range of Innovation activities. Members of the external advisory panel will be selected based on the evidence provided against the following criteria:

• extensive experience in a senior role working at the interface between industry and academia
• proven ability to provide advice at a strategic level with the ability to exercise judgement across a broad spectrum of policy and research issues
• a knowledge of the role of STFC’s National Laboratories, and an understanding of STFC’s programme and its priorities
• awareness of the national and international (funding) landscape in which STFC operates
• a demonstrable ability to think and act strategically and address difficult decisions across a broad spectrum of issues. Confident and well informed in debate
• ability to quickly form positive working relationships with a wide range of people
• ability to commit the necessary time and attention to the role and where appropriate, have the full support of their employer and organisation
• for this particular vacancy, we are seeking a panel member who brings an industry perspective.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an informal interview.

For further information

Debbie Dearnley

Email: debra.dearnley@stfc.ac.uk

Life Sciences and Soft Materials Advisory Panel

The purpose of the Facility Advisory Panels is to provide a link between Science Board and the community and represent the needs of the community to STFC. There are 2 advisory panels in this area, the other being the Physical Sciences and Engineering Advisory Panel.

The remit of the panels is to:

• maintain an overview of activities within their research area as relevant to STFC, in particular, but not exclusively, relating to facility provision, both UK and international
• 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.

Examples of programmatic issues where the panel has been asked to provide advice include the UKRI infrastructure roadmap programme (in relation to the multidisciplinary facilities) and STFC reviews concerning or related to facility provision.

Panel membership is for a period of 3 years. There are up to 4 vacancies for panel members for terms to start on 1 September 2022. The panel has 1 face-to-face meeting annually (usually in January or February) and on occasion has other meetings (usually by videoconference) as business requires.

The selection criteria for panel membership are:

• familiarity with STFC’s national and international facilities (CLF, Diamond Light Source, ESRF, ESS, ILL, ISIS Neutron Source, European XFEL) in the context of the life sciences and soft materials subject area (essential)
• skills in communication, team-working and strategic thinking (essential)
• a user of more than 1 neutron/synchrotron/laser/FEL facility (desirable)
• knowledge of facility strategy, for example through membership of peer review panels or strategic advisory panels (desirable)
• demonstrated engagement with the community (desirable).

Applicants are welcome from those at all career stages who can demonstrate the criteria above. We would particularly welcome applicants with expertise in the areas of:

• soft matter
• the use of X-ray crystallography to characterise biological systems.

For further information

Rachel Reynolds

Email: rachel.reynolds@stfc.ukri.org

Nuclear Physics Advisory Panel

STFC is seeking new Nuclear Physics Advisory Panel members. The advisory panel helps provide input to STFC Science Board and is a valued link for consultation and interaction with the Nuclear Physics community. Panel members will usually meet 3 to 4 times a year, to help draft and maintain a roadmap describing current and future research opportunities within their areas of expertise and provide input to strategic reviews when required. The workload is usually light, and previous panel members have found membership to be a positive experience in representing and shaping the direction of the UK community, and gaining an insight into STFC strategy. Membership terms are for 3 years.

Suitable applicants should have:

• relevant scientific or technical expertise
• demonstrable commitment to UKRI’s values and objectives
• an understanding of the UK and international context to their area of Nuclear Physics
• an ability to act as a representative of their science area when formulating strategic priorities for the UK Nuclear Physics community.

Please ensure you include details addressing the criteria and why you wish to join the advisory panel.

We welcome applications from early career researchers, who have found this a great opportunity to participate in the community and expand their knowledge.

We have 3 vacancies this year across all STFC Nuclear Physics areas (nuclear structure, nuclear astrophysics, hadronic physics, and theory). STFC seek to ensure the panel represents a balance across institutions, subject areas, and experiments.

Please note, STFC’s remit does not cover nuclear energy (reactors, fuel etc), or nuclear security – these are covered by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

For further information

Kylie Collett

Email: kylie.collett@stfc.ukri.org

Nuclear Physics Grants Panel

The STFC Nuclear Physics Grants Panel (NPGP) is responsible for assessing and making recommendations to STFC Executive on research grant applications in nuclear physics, which includes scientific exploitation of facilities and projects, ‘blue skies’ technology research, theory, modelling and data handling. The panel advises the Science Board and STFC Executive as required on all issues relating to research grants, including monitoring long term trends, and highlighting community interest and future direction.

Panel members will be expected to be able to meet the commitments and attendance requirements of the panel. During a consolidated grant review there are likely to be 2 1-day meetings (at the beginning and end of the process), 2 review meetings (potentially 2 days each) and 2 to 3 clarification meetings (half day each). Panel members are required to assist in identifying and selecting reviewers, acting as an introducer for 2 to 3 proposals, reading and considering all the grant proposals and reviewer comments, scoring proposals, making funding recommendations and assisting in drafting feedback. The next grant review is in 2023 with the majority of activity taking place in the first half of 2023.

There are up to 5 vacancies available and membership will begin in July 2022 for an initial period of 3 years, to include the next consolidated grant review in 2023.

Suitable applicants should have relevant scientific or technical expertise  in the following areas:

• nuclear structure
• nuclear astrophysics
• hadronic physics
• nuclear physics theory.

They should also have:

• demonstrable expertise in the strategy, planning, and evaluation of research programmes
• an understanding of the UK and international landscape of nuclear physics.

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

• experience of assessing grant applications/peer review
• relevant nuclear physics expertise as above
• knowledge of the strategy of STFC
• skills in participating and balancing views, arguments, and interests of other participants.

We seek to ensure the panel represents a balance across institutions and subject areas.

For further information

Jenny Hiscock

Email: jenny.hiscock@stfc.ukri.org

Particle Astrophysics Advisory Panel (PAAP)

STFC is seeking new Particle Astrophysics Advisory Panel members. The advisory panel helps provide input to STFC Science Board and is a valued link for consultation and interaction with the Particle Astrophysics community.

Panel members will usually meet 3-4 times a year, to help draft and maintain a roadmap describing current and future research opportunities within their areas of expertise and provide input to strategic reviews when required. The workload is usually light, and previous panel members have found membership to be a positive experience in representing and shaping the direction of the UK community, and gaining an insight into STFC strategy. Membership terms are for 3 years.

Suitable applicants should have:

• relevant scientific or technical expertise
• demonstrable commitment to UKRI’s values and objectives
• an understanding of the UK and international context to their area of Particle Astrophysics
• an ability to act as a representative of their science area when formulating strategic priorities for the UK Particle Astrophysics community.

Please ensure you include details addressing the criteria and why you wish to join the advisory panel.

We welcome applications from early career researchers, who have found this a great opportunity to participate in the community and expand their knowledge.

We have multiple vacancies this year across all particle astrophysics areas (gravitational waves, dark matter, VHE gamma ray astronomy, neutrino physics, and theory). Applicants only need to work in 1 of these areas to be considered.

For further information

Kylie Collett

Email: kylie.collett@stfc.ukri.org

Particle Physics Advisory Panel (PPAP)

STFC Particle Physics Advisory Panel reports to Science Board, providing a route for consultation and interaction with the community. The panel drafts and maintains a roadmap describing current and future research opportunities in their area and provides input to strategic reviews as the need arises. Panel members typically meet 3 to 4 times a year and previous STFC panel members have found membership to be a positive experience in representing and shaping the direction of the UK community and gaining an insight into STFC strategy.

There are 3 vacancies available and membership will begin in October 2022, with membership terms for 3 years.

Suitable applicants should have:

• relevant scientific or technical expertise
• an understanding of the UK and international landscape of particle physics
• demonstrable expertise in the strategy, planning, and evaluation of research programmes.

Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to UKRI’s mission and objectives and be able to communicate their perspective as a representative for their science area, while also working towards a collective voice for the whole community.

Applications are welcome across all areas of particle physics, but we would particularly encourage applications from individuals with expertise in accelerators or theory. We seek to ensure the panel represents a balance across institutions, subject areas, and experiments. Prior experience of working on similar panels is desirable.

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

For further information

Nicole Ashman

Email: nicole.ashman@stfc.ac.uk

Particle Physics Grants Panel Theory and Experiment (PPGP)

STFC Particle Physics Grants Panel (PPGP) is responsible for assessing and making recommendations to STFC Executive on research grant applications in particle physics, which includes scientific exploitation of facilities and projects, ‘blue skies’ technology research, theory, modelling and data handling. The panel advises the Science Board and STFC Executive as required on all issues relating to research grants, including monitoring long term trends, and highlighting community interest and future direction.

There are 5 vacancies available and membership will begin in October 2022 for an initial period of 3 years, to include the next experiment grant review in 2024.

Suitable applicants should have:

• relevant scientific or technical expertise
• demonstrable expertise in the strategy, planning, and evaluation of research programmes
• an understanding of the UK and international landscape of particle physics and particle astrophysics.

Applications are welcome for both experiment and theory, but this year we would particularly encourage applications from individuals in all areas of particle physics experiment (energy frontier, flavour, neutrinos, and non-accelerator physics, including particle astrophysics). We seek to ensure the panel represents a balance across institutions, subject areas, and experiments. Understanding of STFC funding mechanisms and prior experience of working on similar panels is desirable.

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

For further information

Nicole Ashman

Email: nicole.ashman@stfc.ac.uk

Physical Sciences and Engineering Advisory Panel

The purpose of the Facility Advisory Panels is to provide a link between Science Board and the community and represent the needs of the community to STFC. There are 2 advisory panels in this area, the Physical Sciences and Engineering Advisory Panel and the Life Sciences and Soft Materials Advisory Panel.

The remit of the panels is to:

• maintain an overview of activities within their research area as relevant to STFC, in particular, but not exclusively, relating to facility provision, both UK and international
• 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.

Examples of programmatic issues where the panel has been asked to provide advice include the UKRI infrastructure roadmap programme (in relation to the multidisciplinary facilities) and STFC reviews concerning or related to facility provision.

Panel membership is for a period of 3 years. There are up to 3 vacancies for panel members for terms to start on 1 September 2022. The panel has 1 face-to-face meeting annually (usually in January/February) and on occasion has other meetings (usually by videoconference) as business requires.

The selection criteria for panel membership are:

• familiarity with STFC’s national and international facilities (CLF, Diamond Light Source, ESRF, ESS, ILL, ISIS Neutron Source, European XFEL) in the context of the physical sciences and engineering subject area (essential)
• skills in communication, team-working and strategic thinking (essential)
• a user of more than 1 neutron/synchrotron/laser/FEL facility (desirable)
• knowledge of facility strategy, for example through membership of peer review panels or strategic advisory panels (desirable)
• demonstrated engagement with the community (desirable).

Applicants are welcome from those at all career stages who can demonstrate the criteria above.

For further information

Rachel Reynolds

Email: rachel.reynolds@stfc.ukri.org

Projects Peer Review Panel (PPRP)

The Projects Peer Review Panel (PPRP) assesses large or complex construction and operation projects from across STFC’s remit – particle physics, nuclear physics, accelerator physics, computing, astronomy, and particle astrophysics. The PPRP currently has 35 members, a subset of whom attend each PPRP meeting. It employs a diverse membership across these areas and seeks to achieve a balance of expertise across disciplines, institutions and experiments. Details of the current membership are available on the PPRP page. Members are expected to be able to attend a minimum of 2 PPRP meetings per year.

PPRP meetings are held relative to demand, around 5 times a year. In addition, Visiting Panel meetings, to provide additional scrutiny, are held for most proposals with a subset of PPRP members. All meetings take place physically in the UK or via video conference and members are not expected to attend every meeting. Attendance fees and expenses are remunerated. PPRP members are expected to contribute to the assessment of proposals across STFC’s remit, not just their core discipline.

Suitable applicants from academia and those from other sectors who meet the below criteria are invited to apply. Applications are also particularly welcomed from individuals based at non-Russell Group institutions who meet the below criteria in order to balance out representation on the Panel. Overseas applicants are also welcomed to apply.

Early Career Researchers and theorists need not apply.

PPRP welcomes applications which meet the below requirements from individuals with any of the below expertise:

• Particle Physics
• Nuclear Physics
• Accelerator Physics
• Computing
• Astronomy (including Solar and Space Science)
• Particle Astrophysics
• Project Management.

PPRP will recruit new members based on the strength of the applications received rather than quotas within these areas. High quality applications are therefore encouraged in any of the above areas. In particular, PPRP anticipates having vacancies in the areas of Space Science, Nuclear Physics, computing and project management, applications in these areas which meet the below criteria are encouraged. Appointments will be for an initial 2 years from January 2023.

Requirements

Essential

• disciplinary expertise within PPRP’s remit (see above)
• in depth Technical understanding/Significant project management experience on high end technology projects
• ability to attend 2 or more PPRP meetings a year
• ability to understand national and international physics contexts/science project management
• minimum position level of senior lecturer or equivalent.

Desirable

• experience of working on development, construction or operation of large instrumentation or computing projects in physics
• previous experience of peer reviewing proposals in STFC’s remit
  experience of delivering economic and societal impact from physics or computing projects
• experience of collaborating with or working in industry
• experience of managing development, construction and operations projects in instrumentation or computing for physics
• experience of project managing scientific projects
• experience of serving on STFC Panels, Boards or Oversight Committees or equivalent.

For further information

Roy Stephen

Email: roy.stephen@stfc.ukri.org

Science Board

Science Board is STFC’s principal scientific advisory committee. The role of the Board is to provide STFC with a strategic scientific overview and assessment of, and science advice on, all the programmes STFC supports. The membership of Science Board is drawn from: the particle physics, particle astrophysics, astronomy, nuclear physics (PPAN) areas, including the accelerator science and computing communities; the users of the national and international facilities. The balance between PPAN scientists and facility users is 50/50.  Science Board is supported by advisory panels, peer review committees and other advisory committees.

Science Board:

• reviews and considers long term frontier science strategies
• provides advice and recommendations on science and technology programmes and investments
• consults with the communities through advisory panels
• provides advice to STFC Council on criteria for selecting projects and science areas
• provides strategic advice on UKSA programmes
• provides strategic advice and guidance to peer review panels.

Science Board will normally meet between 4 and 6 times a year, across different STFC sites and may have some additional extraordinary meetings for specific activities. Meetings may be a combination of in person and over videoconferencing and each meeting requires approximately 1 day of preparation.

Suitable applicants should have:

• relevant scientific or technical expertise
• experience of working strategically and an ability to exercise judgement both in a core scientific field and across STFC’s programmes
• involvement in conducting, leading, or directing internationally significant research in an academic or other research institution
• an understanding of national and international PPAN or facility science contexts.

We would encourage applicants from users of the national and international facilities and members working in any of the PPAN science areas. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with expertise in nuclear and hadron physics.

A dynamic, diverse and inclusive Science Board is critical to ensuring STFC get the best strategic advice. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from women, people who identify as an ethnic minority, people with a disability, and other groups who are currently under-represented on the Board.

Membership would begin in January 2023, with appointments for 3 years, in the first instance. All applications will be assessed based on STFC panel recruitment guidelines.

For further information

Rachel Leader

Email: rachel.leader@stfc.ukri.org

 

Solar System Advisory Panel (SSAP)

STFC advisory panels report to STFC Science Board, providing a route for consultation and interaction with the community. The panels draft and maintain roadmaps describing current and future research opportunities in their areas.

The Solar System Advisory Panel will have a number of vacancies arising in the next 12 months. We welcome applications from those with expertise covering all areas of solar system science.

SSAP selection criteria:

• demonstrate an understanding of the national and international contexts relating to this field
• demonstrate skills in communication, team-working and strategic thinking.

The membership term is nominally a 3-year appointment.

The successful applicants will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the solar system science programme.

For further information

Michelle Cooper

Email: michelle.cooper@stfc.ukri.org

Technology and Accelerator Advisory Board (TAAB)

The Technology and Accelerator Advisory Board (TAAB) is STFC’s principal technology and accelerator advisory committee.

The role of the Board is to provide STFC with strategic advice on funding and support for STFC’s underpinning technologies (Detectors and instrumentation, Accelerators, Specialist engineering, Optics and E-infrastructure), TAAB’s cross-cutting technology areas (quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning, sample environment, sustainability, digital twins, data intensive science and data management), and the connection to innovation and industry.

The Technology and Accelerator Advisory Board:

• advises STFC on the development and evolution of long-term technology and accelerator strategies
• provides strategic advice on underpinning technology and accelerator development to support large scale facilities
• consults with appropriate communities both directly and via interaction with STFC advisory bodies
• considers possible new areas of activity, new collaborations and partnerships
• identifies areas of missing capacity or capability
• advises on prioritisation within STFC’s technology and accelerator programme as required
• identifies potential avenues for the exploitation of technology developed as part of STFC’s programme.

TAAB members represent a cross-section of STFC’s technology and accelerator focused communities including members of the UK and international academic community, members from international laboratories and members from industrial partners.

TAAB will normally meet a minimum of 4 times a year, either in person at different STFC sites or by videoconference. In person meetings will always include a video conferencing option in order to ensure the majority of board members are able to participate.

About you

Applications are encouraged from prospective board members who bring a broad strategic view, providing advice and insight into STFC strategy development at a cross-cutting level.

The benefits to both academic and industrial members of the board include exposure to high level strategy development within a board which directly reports to STFC Council, abundant networking opportunities with key contacts within STFC, industry and academia, and the opportunity to directly influence strategy for STFC’s underpinning technologies and their exploitation and commercialisation.

We welcome applicants with experience or interest in some of the following areas:

• relevant scientific or technical expertise in either academia or industry (UK or international) within at least 1 of STFC’s underpinning technologies or cross-cutting technologies
• user, member or manager of research facilities and laboratories
• experience or interest in developing or implementing strategy or policy in an academic, business, government or other research-intensive environment
• experience or interest of the translation of fundamental research technology to other subject areas or sectors
• ability to provide advice on at least 1 of STFC’s core science areas or programmes (particle physics, particle astrophysics, astronomy, nuclear physics, accelerators, and computing).

We would particularly welcome applicants with expertise in any of the following – users of synchrotron, laser and neutron facilities, quantum information science or quantum computing, computing, software development and artificial intelligence / machine learning. Applicants from either academia or industry with any of these areas of expertise should indicate this in their application.

Applications are encouraged from across all career stages, subject to demonstrating proven experience appropriate to the career stage. There are up to 4 vacancies available, with at least 1 vacancy to be considered for an early career researcher. For early career researcher applicants, particular consideration will be given to the experience demonstrated relative to the career stage.

A dynamic, diverse and inclusive board is critical to ensuring STFC get the best strategic advice. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from women, people who identify as an ethnic minority, people with a disability, and other groups who are currently under-represented on the board.

Membership would begin in January 2023, with appointments for 2 years, in the first instance.

For further information

Becky Lee, TAAB Board Manager

Email: rebecca.lee@stfc.ac.uk

Last updated: 16 January 2023