Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Experimental Quantum Optics and Quantum-Light Spectroscopy [...]

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in the Department of Chemistry. The role leads an experimental quantum-optics programme, developing entangled-photon sources and performing advanced photon-correlation measurements in an ambitious UK-US collaboration with Columbia University.

Applicants should hold a PhD in experimental quantum optics, photonics, or related fields, with hands-on experience in optical experiments, and strong data-analysis and

Qualifications

• PhD in experimental quantum optics or closely related field.
• Hands-on experience in quantum optics or photonics experiments is essential.
• Strong data-analysis and scientific programming skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead Cambridge experimental quantum-optics programme.
• Develop and characterise entangled-photon-pair and bright squeezed vacuum sources.
• Perform photon-correlation measurements including g(2) and Hanbury Brown–Twiss measurements.

Skills

Quantum optics

Photonics

Optical experimentation

Data analysis

Scientific programming

Collaboration

Communication

Education

PhD in experimental quantum optics

Tools

Hanbury Brown-Twiss measurements

Hong–Ou–Mandel interference

SPDC sources

Spectral correlation measurements

Photon detectors & timing electronics

Job description

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 34 months in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join the group of Dr Raj Pandya in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge. The position is funded for 34 months through the UK-US project REACT-Q (entanglement tRansfEr And Correlations in polaritonic chemisTry with Quantum light), undertaken in close collaboration with Professor Milan Delor's group at Columbia University. The project asks whether non-classical properties of light, including photon correlations, squeezing and entanglement, can be transferred to and preserved within molecular exciton-polaritons in on-chip waveguides, and how those correlations evolve during chemically relevant processes such as singlet fission.

The successful applicant will lead the Cambridge experimental quantum-optics programme. They will develop and characterise entangled-photon-pair and bright squeezed vacuum sources; perform photon-correlation measurements including g(2) and Hanbury Brown-Twiss measurements; undertake Hong-Ou-Mandel interference and joint spectral correlation/entanglement measurements; and couple non-classical light into molecularly clad photonic waveguides. They will quantify the effects of matter fraction, propagation length, loss, disorder and molecular cladding on photon statistics, spectral correlations and two-photon indistinguishability, and contribute to quantum pump-probe measurements of singlet fission. The role will involve close collaboration with Columbia University, including exchange of samples and data and research visits to Columbia, as well as preparation of publications, presentation of results, and support for the wider activities of the collaboration.

Applicants must have, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in experimental quantum optics, quantum photonics, photonics, physics, physical chemistry, electrical engineering, or a closely related field. Hands‑on experience in quantum optics, photonics, or a related area of optical experimentation is essential. Experience in one or more of the following would be highly desirable: Hong‑Ou‑Mandel interference; second‑order photon‑correlation [g(2)] or coincidence measurements; SPDC or other non‑classical light sources; spectral‑correlation or entanglement measurements; bright squeezed vacuum or other squeezed/multimode sources; single‑photon detectors and timing electronics; and coupling or characterising light in integrated photonic waveguides. Candidates are not expected to have prior experience in all of these areas, and training will be provided in techniques that are new to them. Good optical alignment, data‑analysis and scientific‑programming skills are essential. Experience of molecular exciton‑polaritons, silicon photonics, quantum‑state reconstruction, or international collaborative research would be a bonus but are not required.

The applicant will be expected to work independently while contributing actively to a highly interdisciplinary UK-US team spanning quantum optics, ultrafast spectroscopy, nanophotonics and chemical physics. Excellent communication, organisational and collaborative skills are required.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having obtained a PhD; applicants who have submitted but not yet received their PhD may initially be appointed at Research Assistant level and promoted upon award of the PhD, in accordance with University policy.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part‑time working or other flexible working arrangements.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under‑represented at this level in our department.

Please contact [e-mail] for informal enquiries.

The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.