A student is sought for a PhD study on the development of the superconducting RF crab cavities for the Electron Ion Collider (EIC) being constructed in New York, US. The electron ion collider is a large particle accelerator that will, collide electrons with protons and nuclei to produce snapshots of those particles' internal structure. In order to align bunches for collision, transverse RF cavities are used provide a time-varying kick to the beam, known as crab cavities. Lancaster are building on expertise on developing similar structures for the Large Hadron Collider.

The crab system will be designed and constructed by a collaboration of Lancaster University, Daresbury Laboratory and Thomas Jefferson National Laboratory. The student will join an internationally leading team of experts on one of the world’s most exciting engineering projects. The students will also be joining the Cockcroft Institute and will take part in a world leading PhD training program on particle accelerators.

The RF system is made of a superconducting radiofrequency cavity, operating at a temperature of 4.2 K, and a cryostat to support and cool the cavity to that temperature. The student will design the superconducting RF structure, including all RF couplers, and then work with industry to manufacture those cavities before testing them at high field. Due to the high beam currents the students will perform critical research in the use and impedance management of high frequency crab cavities. The student will be based at either Lancaster or Daresbury. The applicant will be expected to have a first or upper second class degree in in physics, electronics or nuclear engineering and should have a good understanding of electromagnetism.

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Prof Graeme Burt ( [email protected] ) for more information. This position will remain open until filled.

The student would ideally start in October 2025. A full package of training and support will be provided by the Cockcroft Institute, and the student will take part in a vibrant accelerator research and education community of over 150 people.