Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Light and Matter, Physics Department

Westfield State University; North East; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Westfield State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate for an experimental research project in atomic and laser physics. This role, funded by UKRI, will investigate ultracold CsYb molecules within the Durham Quantum Light and Matter group, collaborating with international researchers. The role requires excellence in ultracold gas techniques and offers the opportunity to present findings at global conferences. The position is fixed term for 24 months with an expected start by September 2025.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with techniques for ultracold gases.
• Experience in producing quantum degenerate gases.
• Skills in optical tweezers and lattices.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental research in atomic and laser physics.
• Contribute to project advancement and development of research protocols.
• Supervise graduate students and assist in undergraduate teaching.

Skills

Experience with ultracold gases

Knowledge of magneto-optical traps

Optical trapping skills

Creative initiative

Ability to work independently

Effective teamwork skills

Education

PhD in Physics or related field

Job description

The Role

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available to pursue experimental research in the field of atomic and laser physics within the Durham Quantum Light and Matter group. The position is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is focussed on using the clock states in Yb to form ultracold CsYb molecules in optical lattices. The project is a collaboration with researchers in Paris and Warsaw. The post holder will work directly with Prof. Simon Cornish (Physics) and Prof. Jeremy Hutson (Chemistry), and their research teams in the Quantum Light and Matter group.

The overarching goal of the research is to synthesise and study artificial quantum materials using ultracold CsYb molecules arranged in regular arrays to probe novel quantum phenomena in strongly interacting quantum systems. The use of molecules is motivated by their rich internal structure, combined with the existence of controllable long-range dipole-dipole interactions, long trap lifetimes and strong coupling to electric and microwave fields. The project will explore the novel approach of using Feshbach resonances between Yb atoms in the metastable clock states and Cs atoms in the ground state to form ultracold molecules.

The post holder is therefore expected to have experience and familiarity with the techniques used in the study of ultracold gases, including the operation of magneto-optical traps, the production of quantum degenerate gases and optical trapping using optical tweezers/lattices. They will be expected to display initiative and creativity, along with the appropriate skills and knowledge, to achieve the research goals. The post holder is also expected to work effectively both independently and as part of a small research team. It is expected that the post holder will enhance the international contacts of the group through the presentation of work at international conferences and exchange visits to collaborators connected with the project. The post holder will also be expected to aid in the supervision of graduate students within the group as well as contributing to the undergraduate teaching within the Department.

This post is for a fixed term of 24 months.

The post holder will be employed to work on a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post holders will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Successful applicants will ideally be in post by September 2025.