Research Associate/Fellow (Quantum Technology)

We are providing an exciting opportunity for two researchers to join our efforts to carry out quantum simulations to investigate mutual information processes and observer dependence of the relativistic vacuum utilising superfluid-optomechanics systems.

We are looking for researchers in the field of experimental physics with a background in (quantum) optics or interferometry or ultra-low temperature systems (e.g. thin-film superfluid helium films, or superfluid-optomechanics, or quantum turbulence) or ultra-cold atoms or gravitational wave instrumentation. 

The central aim of the project is to further develop and utilise a novel quantum simulator based on ultra-low temperature systems equipped with interferometric quantum-sensitive measurement schemes. 

The positions are available in the School of Mathematical Sciences based at the University Park Campus at University of Nottingham. The successful candidates will be joining Prof. Silke Weinfurtner’s research group (gravitylaboratory.com). This project is funded through the Leverhulme Research Leadership Award (RL-20190-020), and will benefit from a UK wide initiative on Quantum Simulators for Fundamental Physics (qsimfp.org). Successful candidates will also be able to join activities organised by ARTlab Nottingham (artlab-nottingham.com). The ARTlab is an experimental workspace for ArtScience research and practice. It hosts the artists-in-residence programme for University of Nottingham science researchers and guest artists and supports engagement events for local groups.

You will be able to carry out duties to the highest standard and to evidence how through your experience you will:

• Undertake original research of international excellence.
• Develop research objectives for your own and/or collaborative research area.
• Prepare papers for publication in leading journals and/or contribute to the dissemination at national/international conferences, workshops and meetings resulting in successful research outputs.

We are looking for a confident, organised researcher who can evidence:

• PhD in experimental or theoretical physics or in a related field OR near to completion of a PhD.
• Undergraduate degree in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, or appropriately related discipline.
• Expert knowledge of experimental physics in either handling of cryogenic systems and/or optical interferometry
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate with others, both internally and externally. 

The University of Nottingham is committed to creating opportunities for people traditionally under-represented in the Faculty of Sciences and strives to maintain an environment where people can be their authentic selves. 

These full-time posts are available from 1 March 2025, (or as soon as possible thereafter) for up to 12 months. Part time hours will be considered, minimum 0.5 FTE. There is flexibility in terms of the starting dates, but all positions must end by the 31 March 2027. 

Many of our team have flexible working patterns so we’re open to discuss flexible working arrangements with you.

If it sounds like you would be a good fit, we look forward to hearing from you.

Our University is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. We welcome applications from UK, Europe and from across the globe. For more information on the support we offer our international colleagues, see our Moving to Nottingham pages.

Applicants for this post will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as defined by the requirements set out by UK Visas & Immigration.  Please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration for more information.

For successful international applicants, we provide financial support for your visa and the immigration health surcharge, plus an interest-free loan to help cover the cost of immigration-related expenses for any dependents accompanying you to the UK. For more information please see our Financial support for visas and the immigration health surcharge webpages.

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