Research Associate – Detecting Axion Dark Matter with Quantum Technologies

Location:  South Kensington Campus,

About the role:

Do you want to join the search for dark matter? Applications are invited for a Research Associate position available in the Centre for Cold Matter. You will develop a new experiment to detect dark matter axions with masses above 0.12 meV using a combination of a high-Q microwave cavity and single microwave photon counting with an electron in an ion trap.

What you would be doing:

The focus of this role will be to perform the first dark matter axion search using our unique microwave cavity and cryogenic low noise amplifiers and then develop and integrate quantum sensors into the apparatus for a future search. We have constructed a prototype all-dielectric cavity with favourable properties to detect axions. Your role, working with PhD students and the wider team, will be to turn this prototype into a device, which can be installed into our dilution fridge, equipped with an 8 T magnet, and be used to search for axion dark matter to photon conversion at around 55 GHz.

Once our initial measurement campaign is completed, we expect that you to help to develop a next generation apparatus using quantum sensors to read out the cavity state with a noise floor below the standard quantum limit. Our group is currently developing a trapped electron microwave photon counter for this purpose, but we remain open to other alternatives as well.

This role would appeal to an experimental physicist with knowledge of cryogenics, radiofrequency/microwaves and working with strong magnetic fields, who would like to contribute to the search for dark matter. We’re a hands-on research group so if you like building experiments and making measurements, this role may be perfect for you.

You will be expected to plan and carry out research, to write up results for publication and oral presentations, to liaise with collaborators within and outside Imperial College, and to assist in the maintenance of lab facilities and the administration of the research team and to support research students. This project will involve a high degree of teamwork and interdisciplinary research.

What we are looking for:

The following are essential requirements for the role:

• Hold a PhD* (or near completion) in Experimental Physics or a closely related discipline.
• A strong experimental background in Quantum Science using either atoms, ions, molecules, superconducting qubits or other similar systems.
• Proven ability to work in experimental-centred teams. 

The following are desirable requirements for the role:

• Experience in microwave and rf engineering.
• Experience working with cryogenic systems, particularly at mK temperatures.
• Experience working with strong magnetic fields. 

For a full list of requirements, see the job description.

What we can offer you:

• You will be joining the Centre for Cold Matter, a world leading research group specialising in quantum science, fundamental physics and quantum technologies with molecules, atoms and ions.
• You will have the opportunity to present your results at international conferences.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers. We will help you develop as a scientist.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

More information about the Department of Physics, the Matter Community and the staff benefits that we offer, can be found on our webpages.

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £43,003 – £46,297 per annum.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week). The position is available immediately for a fixed-term contract for 24 months.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Dr Jack Devlin at j.devlin11@imperial.ac.uk.

For queries relating to the application process please contact: Ms Sanja Maricic, CCM Operations Manager, at s.maricic@imperial.ac.uk.

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

If you experience any technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us at support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk. We're here to help.

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