Research Fellow in Quantum Sensing

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974

Closes: 10th April 2024

Fixed Term contract up to 2 years, with possible extension up to 5 years

Job Description 

The Quantum Sensing Group at the University of Birmingham is now seeking candidates to undertake research into cold atom gravity gradient sensing, for use in practical applications. This includes candidates who are eager to undertake research next generation atom interferometers, focussing on miniaturisation and operation on mobile platforms within the UK Quantum Technology Hub in Sensing and Timing. This will include research into cutting-edge techniques such as large momentum transfer, optimal phase control and spatially resolved single-shot detection. 

Successful candidates will be based in the Quantum Technology laboratories at Birmingham and will join a group which is home to five atom interferometry experiments including systems based on rubidium and strontium. We are active within the UK Quantum Technology Hub in Sensing and Timing, working closely with industry, and the Atom Interferometry Observatory and Network consortium, investigating future use of atom interferometers for detection of gravitational waves and dark matter. The group is comprised of people with a diverse range of backgrounds and includes people with a range of skills across physics and engineering. We are seeking individuals with a background in experimental physics, who are excited by research and who have a keen interest in technology development. 

Person Specification

• Postgraduate degree in Physics or Engineering, and a higher degree in experimental Physics or related discipline, or equivalent qualifications
• Experience in relevant experimental techniques from atom interferometry, or atomic, molecular, and optical physics, and/or relevant related technical areas (such as underpinning hardware including lasers, electronics)
• An excellent team player with great initiative, a positive attitude to change, and the desire to provide direction and encouragement to colleagues and students.
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, at a variety of technical levels.
• Adaptable to project management structures, such as conventional and agile project management approaches
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
• Ability to contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project.
• Ability to co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.
• If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified, and you think you could thrive in the role we would still like to hear from you.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Andrew Hinton (a.hinton.1@bham.ac.uk) and Professor Michael Holynski (m.holynski@bham.ac.uk).

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the above ‘Apply’ button.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

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