Salary range: £35,308 - £43,155
FTE: 1 (35 hours/week)
Term: Fixed Term (24 months) with possibility of extension
Closing date: 5 January 2024
A position is available for a postdoctoral researcher to join the Two-Photon Rubidium Optical Clock project, part of the Experimental Quantum Optics & Photonics Group within the Department of Physics, University of Strathclyde.
About the Role: You will make leading contributions to an experimental project to advance the start of the art of ultra-compact thermal optical atomic clocks. The project is part of a multi-partner collaboration, Chip-scale Atomic Systems for a Quantum Navigator, funded by an EPSRC Programme Grant. The successful candidate will contribute to the composition of research publications and presentations and will assist with managing the project.
About You: You will have a PhD in experimental atomic or laser physics, or a related discipline. You will have experience with precision measurement and a broad knowledge of current research in the field of atomic physics and quantum technologies, or related areas. You will be familiar with techniques used for atomic physics, including laser stabilisation, spectroscopy, computer control, and data analysis. You will have developed experimental research skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and show a creative approach to solving problems. You will be flexible in your approach, possess strong team working skills, and conduct the role with a high level of personal responsibility and initiative.
About Us: The University of Strathclyde is a leading international technological university focused on delivering excellent teaching and world-class research and known for forging strong collaborative links with industry, government, business and the third sector. Challenging conventional wisdom has been fundamental to the University’s ethos for over 200 years. Today our research activity continues to be of central importance in everything we do – informing our teaching and enabling us to translate outcomes for the benefit of business, industry and society as a whole. We are continually advancing the intensity, quality and international competitiveness of our research.
The Department of Physics has an international reputation for teaching and research. Our strong international research profile is supported by excellent mechanical and electronic engineering facilities that are key to continued performance at the highest levels of research. The advertised post particularly supports our high-profile activity in Quantum Technology, where we are involved widely in national and international research collaborations.
More Info:
The successful candidate will join the Experimental Quantum Optics and Photonics (EQOP) group within Department of Physics at the University of Strathclyde. The EQOP group, with over 40 researchers, is notably active in experimental atomic systems and in knowledge transfer to industry. The project, under the supervision of Dr Paul Griffin and Prof Erling Riis, seeks to advance the state of the art of atomic clocks and development of ultra-compact integrated atomic-photonic sensors. The role will offer opportunities in initiating and delivering collaborative projects with academic, and supervision and mentoring of PhD students within the EQOP group.
Candidates will have a PhD (or close to completion) in experimental atomic physics, laser physics, or have equivalent experience. The role will require working within collaborations involving physicists and engineers, and therefore applicants should have the ability to communicate and exchange ideas at all levels. Technical knowledge of spectroscopy, lasers, and data analysis will be of advantage. An ability to prepare scientific publications and present research outcomes at local, national and international research meetings is expected.
The University is recognised as being people-oriented, and you will receive ‘on-the-job’ training, and be eligible to subscribe to a variety of schemes associated with being an employee of the University including: a world-class Sport Centre; family friendly policies; and various additional incentives including a Cycle Scheme. The University also has on-site childcare and parking for which you can apply.
Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Dr Paul Griffin (paul.griffin@strath.ac.uk) and discuss details of the project prior to submitting an application.
Formal interviews for this post will be held in January 2024.