Research Associate

The Department of Physics is recruiting a Research Associate in Theoretical Physics to work with Dr Peter Kirton and Dr Gordon Robb on the EPSRC funded project “Supersolids and quantum droplets via light mediated interactions”. The post involves close collaboration with the experimental team on the grant lead by Prof. Thorsten Ackermann and Dr Elmar Haller. Applicants must have a PhD in theoretical physics and experience of using and/or a willingness to use both analytical and numerical methods applied in atomic, molecular and optical physics. The successful candidate will be based in the Computational Nonlinear & Quantum Optics (CNQO) group and will work with Drs Kirton and Robb on the theory of the formation of supersolids and droplet structures via light mediated interactions in a BEC. This work will develop a unique platform for exploring emergent behaviour and symmetry-breaking in self-organised supersolids with intriguing connections to the dynamics of long-range coupled systems and time crystals.

As a Research Associate, under the general guidance of Drs Kirton and Robb, you will develop research objectives and proposals, play a lead role in relation to a specific project/s or part of a broader project, conduct individual and/or collaborative research, contribute to the development of new research methods, identify sources of funding, and contribute to the securing of funds for research, including drafting grant proposals and planning for future proposals. You will write up research work for publication, individually or in collaboration with colleagues, and disseminate the results via peer reviewed journal publications and presentation at conferences. You will join external networks to share information and ideas, inform the development of research objectives and to identify potential sources of funding. You will supervise student projects, provide advice to students and contribute to teaching as required by, for example, running tutorials and supervising practical work.

To be considered for the role, you will be educated to a minimum of PhD level in theoretical physics, or have significant relevant experience in addition to a relevant degree. You will have sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge in theoretical techniques for studying cold atomic systems and a developing ability to conduct individual research work, to disseminate results and to prepare research proposals. You will have an ability to plan and organise your own workload effectively and an ability to work within a team environment. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to listen, engage and persuade, and to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of audiences.

Whilst a Post-Doctoral Research Associate is ideally sought for this position; applications from candidates who are close to PhD completion or whose award is pending, are welcome. In such circumstances, the appointment will be made at Research Assistant level (RS06 salary scale £33,002 - £36,636) and duties will be adjusted to reflect the grade of the post. This will continue until the PhD award is confirmed, at which point the duties and grade will be revised accordingly.

The post will be available from February 2026.

Formal interviews for this post will be held late mid-January 2026.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Peter Kirton peter.kirton@strath.ac.uk or Gordon Robb gordon.robb@strath.ac.uk.

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