Assistant Professor Quantum Light and Matter (Research and Education)

DURHAM UNIVERSITY; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK University is seeking a talented scientist for the role of Assistant Professor in Quantum Light and Matter. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Physics, expertise in theoretical quantum optics, quantum simulation, or quantum information, and a strong commitment to teaching in an inclusive environment. This full-time permanent position starts around March 2026 and includes various benefits such as flexible working hours and childcare provision.

Benefits

Pension

Flexible working hours

Shared parental leave policy

Childcare provision

Qualifications

• Established record of research at the highest international level.
• Potential for teaching and postgraduate student supervision.
• Clear commitment to developing an inclusive and welcoming working environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop own research program and publish in high impact journals.
• Engage with industrial partners.
• Collaborate in high-quality research-led teaching.

Skills

Theoretical quantum optics

Quantum simulation

Quantum information

Successful collaboration

Education

PhD in Physics or a related subject

Job description

Organisation/Company DURHAM UNIVERSITY Research Field Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Established Researcher (R3) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 29 Oct 2025 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Department of Physics at Durham University seeks to appoint a talented scientist to the role of Assistant Professor in Quantum Light and Matter. The successful candidate will be a member of the Quantum Light and Matter Section (QLM) and will have research experience that complements and strengthens the existing areas of research. They will be expected to have expertise in theoretical quantum optics, quantum simulation or quantum information that will enhance the worldwide effort in these areas. They should have a strong track record of successful collaboration and engagement with experimental quantum groups. They will be expected to develop their own research program, to publish world-class research with a focus on quality in high impact journals and have the potential to engage with industrial partners. They will also be expected to collaborate in the development and delivery of high-quality research-led teaching in an inclusive and supportive learning environment which enables undergraduate and postgraduate students to achieve their potential. The position will start around March 2026.

The Quantum Light and Matter Section (QLM) in the Department Physics at Durham University is one of the leading international centres for research in atomic, molecular and optical physics. Currently we have 11 permanent members of staff, 4 research fellows, 15 research staff, and around 30 postgraduate students. QLM performs world-leading research in the areas of ultra-cold atoms and molecules, Rydberg systems, quantum optics, quantum simulation and quantum sensing. The aims of the group are to promote and develop new theoretical ideas and technological advances in quantum science and technology aimed at addressing both fundamental science questions, and societal challenges. QLM aims to provide a critical mass of research excellence in quantum physics within Durham University, the North East region, the UK and internationally; to provide leadership, vision, training and opportunities for post-doctoral research assistants and research students, both to sustain and further develop research in quantum physics and to contribute to the wellbeing of humanity; and to promote public understanding of fundamental science and technology, via outreach events aimed at the wider community. Further information may be found at https://www.dur.ac.uk/qlm/ .

Candidates should have a PhD in Physics or a related subject and an established record of research at the highest international level. They should have also demonstrated potential for teaching and postgraduate student supervision and a clear commitment to developing an inclusive and welcoming working environment.

The Department of Physics is committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment. It is pledged to the Athena SWAN charter, where we hold a silver award, and has the status of IoP Juno Champion. We embrace equality and particularly welcome applications from women, black and minority ethnic candidates, and members of other groups that are under-represented in physics. Durham University provides a range of benefits including pension, flexible and/or part time working hours, shared parental leave policy and childcare provision.