Salary Range: circa £32,470*
FTE: 1.0
Term: Fixed (until 31 December 2020)
Closing Date: 11 February 2018

We seek a highly qualified and ambitious candidate for a position as an early stage researcher with the aim of obtaining a PhD within the framework of the European Training Network ColOpt (Collective effects and optomechanics in ultra-cold matter). The project is funded under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network action H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016, Grant Agreement 721465. It involves twelve different partners from six European countries.  The research program of ColOpt focuses on collective interactions of light with laser-cooled cold and quantum-degenerate matter.  It will explore innovative control of matter through optomechanical effects, identify novel quantum phases, enhance knowledge of long-range coupled systems and advance the associated trapping, laser and optical technologies, establishing new concepts in quantum information and simulation.  

The position opened at the Experimental Quantum Optics and Photonics Group of the Department of Physics of the University of Strathclyde is aimed at the experimental realization of Self-organized spin and density ordering of cold atoms in cavities. The candidate will explore feedback and cavity schemes in which atomic interactions are mediated via diffracting light fields to establish a new paradigm for simulation of solid-state and other many-body quantum systems. The experimental system is based on a Rb magneto-optical trap.  

We are looking for an excellent and highly motivated candidate with a strong interest and experience in at least some of the areas of atomic physics, nonlinear optics, laser physics and quantum physics and the emerging quantum technologies. We expect dedication and enthusiasm for experimental research combined with openness and curiosity and the ability and willingness to work in a team. You will have an excellent MSc degree or equivalent in physics.  

You will be required to meet Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher eligibility criteria. You can be of any nationality but must not have resided in the UK for more than 12 months in the last 3 years immediately prior to commencing in the role, and you must not have been awarded a Doctoral Degree. Applicants must be in the first four years of their research career.

The research training provided will comprise a broad portfolio of technical and transferable skills training on local and network level. The project will be part of a vibrant and stimulating international and inter-sectorial collaboration preparing excellently for a broad range of academic and industrial careers. Strong participation of non-academic partners and the interaction of academic and industrial partners is meant to raise awareness of career opportunities and to foster a culture of knowledge exchange and fruitful interaction between the academic and private sector, in particular to drive the emerging quantum technologies. You will attend a series of training workshops through the Network and will be expected to spend up to 6 months working with academic and industrial collaborators in the Network.  

You will receive technical training at the University of Strathclyde, being enrolled in the PhD program of the Department under the supervision of Professor Thorsten Ackemann and Dr Paul Griffin. You will be enrolled in the graduate school of the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA) and the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development of the University of Strathclyde.

* The successful candidate will receive a financial package consisting of a living allowance, a family allowance (where applicable) and a mobility allowance, according to the rules for Early Stage Researchers (ESRs). The minimum salary will be approximately £32,470.

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Thorsten Ackemann at thorsten.Ackemann@strath.ac.uk or on +44 (0)141 548 3079.



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