Postdoctoral Research Associate in Theoretical Atomic and Molecular Physics

Durham University; North East; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK invites applications for two Postdoctoral Research Associates in theoretical atomic and molecular physics. The successful applicants will research ultracold molecules' dynamics and develop quantum-mechanical methods over a fixed term of 24 months, contributing to significant EPSRC-funded projects. Preferred candidates should have relevant experience and aim to start by March 1, 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in theoretical atomic and molecular physics is preferred.
• Familiarity with quantum mechanics and ultracold molecules required.

Responsibilities

• Understand dynamics of ultracold collisions and properties of ultracold molecules.
• Develop quantum-mechanical scattering and bound-state methods.

Job description

Applications are invited for two Postdoctoral Research Associates in theoretical atomic and molecular physics, to work in association with Prof Jeremy M Hutson, FRS, on the quantum mechanics involved in the formation and properties of ultracold molecules. The theoretical work is associated with EPSRC-funded research grants on:

Leveraging Yb clock states to form lattices of CsYb molecules

Quantum many-body physics with ultracold polar molecules

Controlling collisions between laser-cooled molecules and atoms

The grants are in collaboration with the experimental groups of Prof Simon Cornish (Durham) and Prof Michael Tarbutt (Imperial College London), together with many-body physicists in London and Birmingham. We also have active collaborations with leading experimental and theoretical groups around the world. The UK experimental groups have already succeeded in forming ultracold polar RbCs and CaF molecules in their absolute ground states at temperatures around 1 microKelvin, and explored their interactions and collisions. We are now developing the use of these and other ultracold molecules for quantum science.

Further details of the research group are available at https://jmhutson.webspace.durham.ac.uk and a description of recent research achievements and current projects is available in a link from there.

The successful applicants will work to understand the dynamics of ultracold collisions and the properties of ultracold molecules. They will develop quantum-mechanical scattering and bound-state methods and apply them to a variety of ultracold atomic and molecular systems.

This post is fixed term for 24 months. The duration is limited by the funding available.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by Professor Jeremy M Hutson. Whilst this means that the post-holder 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 1st March 2026.