[School of Natural Sciences PhD Scholarships] Next generation Large Hadron Collider beauty Experiment

About the project

About the Project The Large Hadron Collider beauty (LHCb) experiment at CERN is preparing for its Upgrade II programme, which will operate during the High-Luminosity LHC era and deliver unprecedented datasets for precision studies of flavour physics, CP violation, and searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. The LHCb experiment has discovered more particles than any experiment in history. Achieving the ambitious physics goals of Upgrade II requires significant advances in detector technology capable of operating in an extremely challenging radiation and occupancy environment. A key element of the upgraded detector is the development of next-generation silicon tracking systems, including the Mighty Tracker concept, which aims to provide high-precision tracking with minimal material budget and efficient large-scale production. This PhD project will focus on research and development associated with the construction of Mighty Tracker monolithic active pixel sensor modules. The successful candidate will contribute to the design, prototyping, assembly, and characterisation of these detector modules that combine advanced silicon sensors, lightweight mechanical supports, precision cooling systems, and high-speed readout electronics. The work will play a direct role in preparing the technologies and production methods required for the future detector. A major aspect of the project will involve developing precision assembly techniques for module construction. The student will investigate methods for achieving micron-level alignment of sensors and readout components while maintaining mechanical stability under thermal cycling and operational loads. This will include the use of advanced metrology tools, automated assembly systems, and quality assurance procedures. The candidate will evaluate different construction approaches and contribute to establishing scalable manufacturing processes suitable for the production of hundreds or thousands of detector modules. The project will also involve extensive laboratory testing of prototype modules. Measurements of electrical performance, thermal behaviour, mechanical stability, and radiation tolerance will be carried out using dedicated test facilities. Opportunities will exist to participate in beam test campaigns at CERN and other international facilities, where prototype detectors are evaluated under realistic operating conditions. In addition to hardware development, the student will contribute to simulation and data analysis activities that support detector optimisation. This may include studies of detector geometry, material distribution, tracking performance, and the impact of construction tolerances on physics performance. Close interaction between simulation and experimental measurements will help guide design decisions and improve overall detector performance. The research will be undertaken within the international LHCb collaboration, providing opportunities to work closely with leading scientists and engineers from universities and laboratories across Europe and beyond. The student will gain experience in detector instrumentation, silicon sensor technologies, electronics integration, precision engineering, data analysis, and project management. Regular collaboration meetings, workshops, and visits to CERN will form an important part of the programme. This project is expected to start in September 2027. Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships . If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here . When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications . Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status. We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder. Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in Physics (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in Physics (or international equivalent). This project will remain open until filled. If your application is submitted by 1 st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18 th December 2026. If your application is submitted by 15 th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30 th March 2027. Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project. FSESoNS

Research areas