Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role
The School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to contribute to the project Emergent Quantum Electrodynamics in Ce-based pyrochlores, led by Dr Owen Benton and funded by the Leverhulme Trust.

The project will be funded for three years and the PDRA will be employed throughout that time. The goal of the project is to establish clear criteria for determining whether Ce-based pyrochlore oxides Ce2M2O7 realise a quantum spin liquid (QSL) state of matter. The search for QSL materials has been a decades-long theme in Condensed Matter Physics, and the Ce pyrochlores represent some of the best current candidates.

The aim of the project will be achieved by developing state-of-the-art Variational Monte Carlo simulations to determine an accurate ground state phase diagram for the model describing these systems, and by proposing experimental tests which can be used to identify QSLs in Ce pyrochlores. The PDRA will have primary responsibility for the development of the simulations but will contribute to all aspects of the project in collaboration with the PI and a PhD student to be funded by the grant.

About You
The successful candidate will have:

• A PhD in theoretical or computational condensed matter physics, or will expect to obtain one before the start date.
• Experience in scientific programming.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to carry out self-directed research, to prioritize tasks effectively and to drive projects through to publication.

In addition, the following experience would be helpful:

• Experience implementing Quantum Monte Carlo methods.
• Experience applying Machine Learning methods to scientific problems.

About the School
The School of Physical and Chemical Sciences is one of the UK’s elite research centres, delivering internationally recognized research in Physics and Chemistry, in a diverse and supportive environment.

About Queen Mary
At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits
We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

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