Research Fellow in Experimental Physics and Physical Chemistry

About us

UCL is one of the world's top universities and based in the heart of London. It is a modern, outward-looking institution. UCL's staff and former students have included 33 Nobel prizewinners. It is a truly international community: more than one-third of our student body – more than 50,000 strong – come from 150 countries and nearly one-third of staff are from outside the UK.

About the role

The research activity that this position is connected to, within the Atomic, Molecular, Optical and Positron Physics (AMOPP) group of UCL's Physics and Astronomy Department, is related to experimental studies of cold and ultracold gas-phase ion-molecule reactive collisions within supersonic beams – a leading activity of its kind, both in the UK and worldwide.

Gas-phase ion-molecule reactions are fascinating because they can take place even in the limit of absolute zero temperature. They govern the chemistry of the interstellar medium but also present an ideal platform to exert quantum control in laboratory studies. The aim of this project is to study the reactions between the He+ ion and two polar molecules at low collision energies.

The ion-molecule reaction rate coefficients are strongly dependent on the molecular rotational quantum state, especially in the low-collision-energy regime. This project will involve designing and implementing an electric-field guide for focusing molecules in selected (not-reactive) rotational states in order to enable the demonstration of reactivity suppression. After that, microwave radiation will be used to transfer the molecules to reactive states in order to probe the rotational-state-dependence of the reactivity and effectively demonstrate a reactivity switch.

The successful candidate will also support ongoing research activities in the recently established research group of Dr Valentina Zhelyazkova, supported by the Royal Society University Research Fellowship scheme, and focused on developing an experimental program for studies of a range of ion-molecule reactions in supersonic beams on various energy scales.

This position is funded for 2yrs in the first instance.

About you

We are seeking a highly motivated individual, who holds or is about to obtain a PhD in experimental Atomic, Molecular and Optical (AMO) Physics, Physical Chemistry or a related field. Direct experience working with lasers and optics and cold atoms and/or molecules is desirable.

What we offer

As well as exciting opportunities, UCL offers a range of great benefits. Find out more: UCL Rewards and Benefits

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we strive for our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.

These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. We particularly welcome female applicants and those from an ethnic minority, as they are under-represented within the UCL's Physics and Astronomy Department at the level of the advertised position.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

Customer advert reference: B04-07438

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