Research Fellow in Quantum sensing for civil engineering applications

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type:  Fixed Term contract up to February 2028

Background

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to drive the underground infrastructure theme within the Quantum Technology Research Hub in Sensors, Imaging and Timing (www.quisit.org).  The successful candidate will focus on designing and conducting large scale laboratory and field trials using a range of geophysical equipment such as Ground Penetrating Radar or gravimeters (e.g. Scintrex CG6) to provide benchmark data as well as the quantum technology gravity gradient sensor. This involves close liaison with colleagues across campus, especially as part of QuSIT, partner institutions, project partners and asset or land owners. This role will involve working closely with civil engineers, computational modellers, physicists, and geophysicists to organise trials addressing scientific research questions. Work with asset owners will also concentrate on determining the value of the data.

Role Summary

• Design and conduct large-scale laboratory and field trials using both classical as well as quantum technology sensors
• Liaise with others within QuSIT to develop trials which answer scientifically interesting research questions and/or demonstrate the benefits of the QT gravity gradiometer in a range of different use cases
• Process, analyse and interpret data from the trials, using existing models and develop new techniques

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Design and conduct large-scale laboratory and field trials using both classical geophysical as well as quantum technology sensors
• Collaborate within QuSIT team to develop trials which answer scientifically interesting research questions 
• Seek out trial opportunities in collaboration with the wider team and the project partners
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to process, analyse and interpret the data from the trials, using existing approaches and developing new ones
• Contribute to publications, reports, and presentations, and support project coordination and stakeholder engagement
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc

Person Specification

• PhD (or near to completion) in physics, engineering, geophysics, or a related field 
• Expertise in (large-scale) laboratory experiments or field trials, ideally with experience using geophysical sensors such as gravimeters, ground penetrating radar or magnetometers
• Proficiency in scientific computing (e.g. Python, MATLAB, or similar) for data processing and data handling
• Experience with data processing, analysis and interpretation
• Excellent interdisciplinary communication – Strong collaborative skills to work effectively with physicists, engineers, geoscientists and asset owners.

Informal enquiries to Professor Nicole Metje, email: n.metje@bham.ac.uk or telephone 0121 414 4182

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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