AUPP-RESTART: TAS

General
A Post Doctoral Position for an African Trainee Accelerator Scientist (TAS) is available
hosted at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and funded within the Africa-UK Physics
Partnership (AUPP) Collaborative Projects funding opportunity entitled REsilience through
Synchrotron Techniques for African Research & Technology (RESTART). The context is
to boost African skills towards the realisation of the first African Light Source (AFLS). The
TAS is expected to be part of a cohort of emerging scientists who will play an important
role in the AFLS. The TAS will be tasked with learning all aspects of an advanced light
source (technical design, injector, storage ring, beamlines, infrastructure safety
management and maintenance). The TAS will compile a report of their learning activities
and will provide valuable input in the technical design of the future African light source.
While in Johannesburg, the TAS will be supervised by Prof Simon Connell of UJ. The TAS
will travel to the European Synchrotron Research Facility (ESRF) to undergo hands-on
training in synchrotron accelerator science and participate where feasible in the operation
of the facility. TAS visits to ESRF will coordinate with the dark period at the Diamond
Light Source (DLS) for additional visits there, allowing the TAS to experience the
upgrade process and associated logistics. In these periods the TAS will be supervised by
Dr Edward Mitchell of the ESRF.

Qualification:
• PhD, Engineering or Physics

Experience and Knowledge:
• An aptitude for Instrumentation
• An aptitude for Readout systems and Electronics
• An aptitude for Computer coding.

Applications:
• Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV, including a publication list.
Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the
applicant’s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three
referees should be provided. The application is by e-mail to the address below.

Closing Date: 30 April 2026
• The position offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package
which is commensurate with qualifications and experience. All parties are
committed to employment equity. The position duration is for two years. As the
position relates to the AfLS, the applicant should be an African or prepared to
reside in Africa to support the AFLS. The successful candidate should be ready to
proceed promptly.

Enquiries:
• Prof SH Connell, mail: shconnell@uj.ac.za