Research Associate in Polarisation Physics

Job description:

We have a great opportunity for a Post-doctoral Research Associate in Spin Polarisation Physics to join the internationally recognised POLARIS research group at the University of Sheffield.

This four-year position will focus on investigating the fundamental physics of optically pumped spin systems, particularly spin-exchange optical pumping (SEOP), the technique used to produce hyperpolarised xenon-129 gas for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Hyperpolarised xenon MRI is an emerging imaging technology that provides unique insights into lung function, gas exchange and tissue physiology. The position forms part of a major EPSRC-funded research programme aimed at advancing the fundamental understanding of spin polarisation physics and developing next-generation hyperpolariser technology.

The successful candidate will undertake experimental and theoretical studies to investigate the fundamental processes that govern polariser physics. The work will involve developing new optical and magnetic resonance measurement techniques to study spin dynamics and improve the performance of hyperpolarised xenon production technology.

The post holder will work within the POLARIS research group, a multidisciplinary team of physicists, engineers and clinicians developing new MRI technologies and hyperpolarisation methods. The project offers the opportunity to collaborate with leading international research groups and industry partners involved in hyperpolarisation technology development.

You will contribute to high-impact research publications, participate in international collaborations, and assist in the supervision of postgraduate research students within the group. If you are passionate about fundamental spin physics, optical pumping and developing new experimental methods for studying atomic systems, we would love to hear from you.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking candidates with a good Honours degree in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Engineering or a closely related field, and a PhD in Atomic Physics, Magnetic Resonance, Optical Physics, Spin Physics or a closely related field (or equivalent experience).

The successful candidate will have experience in experimental physics, ideally involving optical, atomic or magnetic resonance systems. Experience designing and conducting laboratory experiments and analysing experimental data using scientific programming tools (for example MATLAB or Python) is essential.

About the Research Group

POLARIS has strong links with the Insigneo Institute for in silico medicine and with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Sheffield Children’s Hospital. We are internationally recognised for research in spin polarisation physics and MRI, particularly the development and clinical translation of hyperpolarised xenon MRI for studying lung function and gas exchange.

Our state-of-the-art facilities include dedicated hyperpolarisation laboratories, a well-equipped RF engineering laboratory and advanced MRI imaging facilities, including two 1.5T MRI scanners, a 0.5T MRI scanner and a 3T PET-MR scanner.

What We Offer

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities,a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.

Find out more at sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits and join us to become part of something special.

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