Postdoctoral Research Associate in Experimental Quantum Mixtures (721417)

Faculty of Science

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate to join the Quantum Fluids team to work on a new ultracold quantum mixtures experiment. The research project will explore the role that vortices, topologically-protected defects, play in supporting and destroying emergent quantum phenomena, such as superfluidity and superconductivity.

FTE: 1 (35 hours/week)

Term: Fixed (24 months)

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate to join the Quantum Fluids team to work on a new ultracold quantum mixtures experiment as part of the Principal Investigator’s Royal Society funded University Research Fellowship. This research project will explore the role that vortices, topologically-protected defects, play in both supporting and destroying emergent quantum phenomena, such as superfluidity and superconductivity. We will study vortex dynamics in a binary superfluid formed from a mixture of ultracold rubidium and potassium atoms, with a particular emphasis on reduced dimensionality (e.g., quasi-2D disc, or quasi-1D ring geometries) where quantum fluctuations are enhanced. We will implement dynamically configurable optical potentials, together with a high-resolution microscope objective to directly visualise the vortex dynamics, and to study the interaction between vortices and pinning potentials, of relevance to almost all superfluid and superconducting systems from ultracold Bose-Einstein condensates to neutron stars.

We are seeking a highly motivated experimental researcher who will be responsible for continuing the development of the experimental platform - a state-of-the-art K-Rb quantum-mixture apparatus, as well as benchmarking new techniques, and assisting in planning and implementing initial experiments on vortex dynamics in superfluid mixtures. The successful applicant will work closely with the Principal Investigator on both development of the experimental apparatus and running subsequent experiments, including developing pipelines for data analysis. They will be an integral part of the team comprised of the PI and two PhD students and will assist with the training and mentoring of these students.

The successful applicant will be based in the Department of Physics under the supervision of Dr. Kali Wilson, within the Experimental Quantum Optics and Photonics group at Strathclyde. Candidates will have a PhD (or close to completion) in experimental atomic physics or have equivalent experience. Experience running an ultracold atom experiment would be of advantage, as would technical skills relevant to the trapping and manipulation of ultracold gases. Examples of relevant technical skills include basic electronics, development of FPGA devices, development of narrow-linewidth lasers, laser frequency stabilisation and control, image analysis, data acquisition, optical design and Gaussian beam propagation. An ability to prepare scientific publications and present research outcomes at local, national and international research meetings is expected.

Interviews will take place in July 2025. Part-time or flexible working may be possible, contact Dr. Kali Wilson to discuss further.

Potential applicants must contact Dr. Kali Wilson (kali.wilson@strath.ac.uk) and discuss details of the project prior to submitting an application.

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