Research Associate (772712)

FTE: 1.0

Term: Fixed (24 months)

We seek a motivated postdoctoral researcher to implement an experimental research programme on supersolids and quantum droplets via light mediated interactions. The project aims to implement 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.

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral researcher to realize supersolid and droplet phases of matter in a laser-driven Bose-Einstein condensate of ultracold caesium atoms via light-mediated interactions introduced by feedback from a retroreflecting mirror. Diffractive dephasing of the retroreflected light induces the nontrivial spatial correlations leading to supersolidity. The work builds on an existing experimental platform for quantum-degenerate ensembles of caesium atoms, used to study lattice physics, nonlinear quantum fluids, and out-of-equilibrium many-body dynamics. The project also draws from long-standing experimental and theoretical experience with self-organised phases using single-mirror feedback.

The successful applicant will be based in the Experimental Quantum Optics and Photonics Group (EQOP) at the Department of Physics of the University of Strathclyde. The role involves close collaboration with academics and a postdoctoral researcher from the Computational Nonlinear and Quantum Optics Group (CNQO) funded by the same EPSRC project “Supersolids and quantum droplets via light mediated interactions”. The researcher will be embedded in a stimulating research environment spanning from fundamental to applied work in quantum simulation, quantum fluids, and quantum technologies.

Candidates should hold a PhD or an equivalent degree in experimental physics. Strong technical knowledge of atomic quantum gases and related optical setups is essential. The ability to prepare scientific publications and present research outcomes at local national and international research meetings is expected. Applications are welcome from candidates who are close to completing their PhD or whose award is pending. Further information can be found on the group’s webpage (eqop.phys.strath.ac.uk/supersolids).

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 Dr Elmar Haller, elmar.haller@strath.ac.uk or Prof Thorsten Ackemann, thorsten.ackemann@strath.ac.uk.

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