Research Fellow in Quantum Levitated Optomechanics

About us

UCL Physics and Astronomy is among the top physics departments in the UK and is consistently placed in the global top 20 across a wide range of university rankings. The Optomechanics group which is a part of the Atomic, Molecular, Optical and Positron Physics section, has been a leader in the field of levitated optomechanics over the last ten years.

The group has recently been awarded EPSRC funding for developing fundamental science and technology applications with the levitated cavity optomechanics platform developed within the group. We follow a tightly coupled experimental and theoretical approach towards realising full quantum control over all motional degrees of freedom of these systems. This includes 3D translational motion of the levitated particles, but also rotational and librational motion as well.

About the role

The aim of the project is to take optomechanics into the many-particle and many-body regime capitalising on the unique scalability of multiple identical and fully controllable nano-oscillators. A primary objective of your work will be to develop control of the orientation of non-spherical nanoparticles for applications in diffraction imaging and to explore many-body quantum dynamics in a novel regime with practical applications in nanoparticle characterisation.

This position is funded for 6 months in the first instance.

Candidates will need to upload a CV (including a list of publications), a statement of research interests and plans (3 pages maximum), and the contact information for three references.

A cover letter can be included using the “Statement in Support of your Application” section of the online form.

Applicants should arrange for three letters of reference to be emailed to Peter Barker by the application dead line.

A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.

To apply for the vacancy please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Bonita Carboo ()

Informal enquiries regarding the vacancy can be made to: Peter Barker ()

About you

The successful applicant will have or about to obtain a PhD in Physics and will ideally have the following experience, knowledge and attributes:

• experience in levitated optomechanical methods
• expertise in high vacuum, lasers and optical methods
• programming skills for data acquisition, analysis and feedback methods
• excellent written and verbal communication
• ability to analyse and write up data and to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• able to work in a team
• commitment to high quality research
• commitment to UCL’s policy of equal opportunity and the ability to work harmoniously with colleagues and students of all cultures and backgrounds

For Postdoctoral Research funded positions:
Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at res! earch ass istant Grade 6B (salary £33,184. -£34,976. per annum, inclusive of London Allowance) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

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