Postdoctoral Research Associate in Theoretical Atomic and Molecular Physics

DURHAM UNIVERSITY; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in the UK is seeking two Postdoctoral Research Associates in theoretical atomic and molecular physics to work on ultracold molecules and quantum mechanics. The successful applicants will develop scattering methods and collaborate with top researchers in the field. Ideal candidates will hold a PhD in Physics and have a strong background in quantum mechanics and theoretical research. This is a fixed-term position for 24 months, with a start date ideally by 1st March 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in theoretical research and modeling of atomic and molecular systems.
• Strong background in quantum mechanics.
• Familiarity with coding and numerical methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop quantum-mechanical scattering methods.
• Conduct research on ultracold collisions and molecular properties.
• Collaborate with experimental physicists and contribute to project advancement.

Skills

Quantum mechanics

Theoretical atomic physics

Molecular physics

Collisions dynamics

Education

PhD in Physics or related field

Job description

Organisation/Company Durham University Research Field Physics Chemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 5 Jan 2026 - 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

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.