Research Associate in Polarisation Physics

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

41 days annual leave

Flexible working opportunities

Hybrid working

Discounts and rewards

Job summary

The University of Sheffield is seeking a Research Associate in Spin Polarisation Physics to join the POLARIS research group in the School of Medicine and Population Health. You will investigate SEOP processes to advance hyperpolariser systems for biomedical MRI, combining theory and experiment with new instrumentation.

You will work with physicists and engineers, design optical and MR measurements, publish high-impact papers, and contribute to international collaborations while upholding the

Qualifications

• Good Honours degree in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• A PhD in Atomic / Optical Physics, Magnetic Resonance, Spin Physics, or a closely related field (or equivalent).
• Extensive practical experience in experimental physics and instrumentation involving optical, atomic or magnetic resonance systems.
• Experience designing and conducting laboratory experiments
• Experience analysing experimental data using scientific programming tools (e.g. MATLAB, Python, or similar).
• Track record of scientific publications in peer‑reviewed journals as first author.
• Ability to help supervise PhD students and researchers in experimental physics research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental and theoretical research to improve understanding of the physics underlying optically pumped spin systems used to produce hyperpolarised xenon gas.
• Develop and carry out laboratory experiments to study how light interacts with atomic vapours and how this affects the efficiency of spin polarisation.
• Design and perform optical and magnetic resonance measurements to investigate spin dynamics in alkali-noble gas systems.
• Analyse and interpret experimental results and develop models to explain differences between theoretical predictions and experimental observations.
• Work closely with other researchers in the group to integrate new experimental methods into hyperpolarised xenon production systems.
• Publish high-impact papers as a lead or contributing author.
• Present results to project collaborators, members of the research group and external audiences to disseminate and publicise research findings.
• As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University’s Sustainability Strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Skills

Experimental physics

Laboratory techniques

Scientific programming (MATLAB, Python

Education

Honours degree in Physics or closely related field

PhD in Atomic/Optical Physics or Spin Physics

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity available for a Research Associate in Spin Polarisation Physics to join the POLARIS research group in the School of Medicine and Population Health at the University of Sheffield.

The successful candidate will undertake research into the physics and engineering of spin-exchange optical pumping (SEOP) used to produce hyperpolarised xenon-129 (129Xe) gas. The project is funded by an EPSRC research programme aimed at advancing the theoretical and experimental understanding of spin polarisation physics and improving the performance of hyperpolariser systems used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The post holder will investigate the underlying physical processes governing SEOP, including rubidium spin polarisation, vapour dynamics, and spin-exchange interactions with xenon nuclei. The research will combine theoretical modelling with experimental measurements using optical spectroscopy, magnetic resonance techniques, and newly developed instrumentation designed to probe the dynamics of SEOP systems.

The candidate will work closely with physicists and engineers within the POLARIS research group and collaborate with international academic and industrial partners. The work will contribute to the development of next-generation hyperpolariser technology and provide new insights into spin polarisation physics that are relevant to a wide range of applications including biomedical MRI, chemical physics and fundamental spin-based measurement technologies.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental and theoretical research to improve understanding of the physics underlying optically pumped spin systems used to produce hyperpolarised xenon gas.
• Develop and carry out laboratory experiments to study how light interacts with atomic vapours and how this affects the efficiency of spin polarisation.
• Design and perform optical and magnetic resonance measurements to investigate spin dynamics in alkali-noble gas systems.
• Analyse and interpret experimental results and develop models to explain differences between theoretical predictions and experimental observations.
• Work closely with other researchers in the group to integrate new experimental methods into hyperpolarised xenon production systems.
• Publish high-impact papers as a lead or contributing author.
• Present results to project collaborators, members of the research group and external audiences to disseminate and publicise research findings.
• As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University’s Sustainability Strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

Essential Or Desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

Application

• Good Honours degree in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Engineering or a closely related discipline (or equivalent).
• A PhD in Atomic / Optical Physics, Magnetic Resonance, Spin Physics, or a closely related field (or equivalent).
• Extensive practical experience in experimental physics and instrumentation involving optical, atomic or magnetic resonance systems.
• Experience designing and conducting laboratory experiments
• Experience analysing experimental data using scientific programming tools (e.g. MATLAB, Python, or similar).
• Track record of scientific publications in peer‑reviewed journals as first author.
• Ability to help supervise PhD students and researchers in experimental physics research.

Interview

• Experience of working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.

Further Information

Grade

7.5 – 7.11

£41,064 - £48,822 as per current university pay grades, with the potential to progress subject to performance

Work arrangement

Full time

Duration

1st November 2026 – 30th November 2030

Line manager

Professor &/or Senior Scientist &/or Research Fellow

Direct reports

Professor &/or Senior Scientist &/or Research Fellow

Right to work in the UK

If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.

Our website

For informal enquiries about this job contact Jennifer Rodgers, Research Administrative Manager: on [e-mail] or 0114 2159150

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place shortly after the job closes. This will consist of an interview comprising a short presentation on the candidates’ research experience to date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Jennifer Rodgers, Research Administrative Manager: on [e-mail] or 0114 2159150

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What We Offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
• paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
• access to menopause support in the workplace
• paid time off and support for fertility treatment
• and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Criminal record

A basic with barred lists DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.