Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Light and Matter, Physics Department

DURHAM UNIVERSITY; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK research university is seeking several Postdoctoral Research Associates to conduct experimental research in quantum many-body physics. Successful candidates will work within a leading research group and must have a strong background in ultracold molecular techniques. This role emphasizes creativity and teamwork, with responsibilities including conducting research, supervising students, and presenting findings internationally.

Qualifications

• Experience in experimental research in atomic, molecular and optical physics.
• Proven track record in working with ultracold molecules.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental research in quantum many-body physics.
• Synthesize and study artificial quantum materials using ultracold molecules.
• Aid in supervision of graduate students and contribute to undergraduate teaching.

Skills

Experience with ultracold gases

Familiarity with magneto-optical traps

Ability to produce quantum degenerate gases

Knowledge of optical trapping and lattices

Effective independent and team work

Education

PhD in Physics or related field

Job description

Organisation/Company DURHAM UNIVERSITY Research Field Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 16 Dec 2025 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other 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 Role

Several Postdoctoral Research Associate positions are available to pursue experimental research in the field of atomic, molecular and optical physics within the Durham Quantum Light and Matter group. The positions are associated with a new five-year Programme Grant on "Quantum Many-Body Physics with Ultracold Polar Molecules" funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The research builds upon our expertise in creating ultracold RbCs molecules in the rovibrational ground state and trapping them in rotationally magic traps. The post holders will work directly with Prof. Simon Cornish and other members of his research group within the Durham Quantum Light and Matter research section.

The goal of the research is to synthesise and study artificial quantum materials using ultracold 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 post holders will be expected to display the initiative and creativity, together with the appropriate skills and knowledge, required to work with Prof. Cornish to deliver the research goals. These include (1) the encoding synthetic dimensions in molecules confined in rotationally magic traps and (2) the creation of many-body quantum states of

molecules in optical lattices for quantum simulation (3) the production of strongly dipolar Bose-Einstein condensates of molecules. The post holders are 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, optical trapping and optical lattices. The post holders are expected to be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a small research team. It is expected that the post holders 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 holders 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.

The post is for an initial fixed term of 24 months, but may be extended to up to 60 months.

The post-holders will be employed to work on research projects 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 January 2026.