Research Fellow in Quantum Technology

We are delighted to offer a full-time research fellowship with the Ion Trap Cavity-QED and Molecular Physics (ITCM) group at the University of Sussex, led by Professor Matthias Keller. Join our team and you will be part of an Innovate UK-funded consortium working on quantum industrial projects. Our specific research project is CIFS – Calcium Ion Frequency Standard, which aims to commercialise a portable atomic clock system being developed at the University of Sussex. 

Our consortium brings together leading companies from the quantum technology, telecommunication and defence sectors, such as TMD, Chronos, Leonardo, Covesion and BT. Our objective is to build a miniaturized portable optical atomic clock based on a single calcium ion, with an accuracy at the 10^-15 level or better. The final system must be able to operate outside a laboratory environment and must be suitable for production by standard industrial processes.

At ITCM, we have developed a rugged and compact spectroscopy unit, based on an all-fibre-coupled ion trap, an ultra-compact laser module providing all the necessary lasers to run the ion trap and the electronic control boards governing the autonomous operation of the system, in addition to an ultra-stable clock laser unit. All subsystems are based on fibre-integrated designs to ensure robust and maintenance-free operation, while retaining a compact size.

You will join the Portable Atomic Clock team in the ITCM group and lead on updating the current sub-systems to take full advantage of the latest advances in laser and fibre technology, then to integrate them into a fully functioning portable optical clock. The focus will be on the system’s performance and manufacturability, as well as developing and optimising novel spectroscopy schemes to improve the clock’s stability and accuracy.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work closely with academic and industry partners at the forefront of quantum technology in the UK, pushing some of the latest scientific and engineering developments into real-world applications.

The role is based on our campus set in the South Downs National Park just outside the city of Brighton and Hove, close to the coast and less than an hour from London. Our university follows family-friendly and flexible working policies and our group is part of the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies.

Please contact Matthias Keller m.k.keller@sussex.ac.uk for any informal enquiries.

The University is committed to equality and valuing diversity, and applications are particularly welcomed from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are underrepresented in academic posts in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM) at Sussex. 

Please note that this position may be subject to ATAS clearance if you require visa sponsorship.

For full details and how to apply, click the 'Apply' button above.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

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