Research Associate: Spin Polarisation & Hyperpolarised MRI

Dunhillmedical; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sheffield invites applications for a Research Associate in Spin Polarisation Physics to join the POLARIS group in the School of Medicine and Population Health. The role focuses on SEOP physics and the development of hyperpolarised xenon gas for MRI applications.

The successful candidate will integrate theoretical modelling with experiments, including rubidium spin polarisation, vapour dynamics and spin‑exchange with xenon nuclei, collaborating with physicists and engineers

Qualifications

• Good Honours degree in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Engineering or closely related discipline.
• PhD in Atomic/Optical Physics or related field.
• Extensive practical experience in experimental physics with optical, atomic or MR systems.
• Experience designing and conducting laboratory experiments.
• Experience analysing experimental data with scientific programming (MATLAB, Python).
• Track record of peer‑reviewed publications as first author.
• Ability to supervise PhD students and researchers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental and theoretical research to understand optically pumped spin systems for hyperpolarised xenon gas.
• Develop laboratory experiments to study light interactions with atomic vapours and SEOP efficiency.
• Design optical and MR measurements to investigate spin dynamics in alkali-noble gas systems.
• Analyse results and develop models comparing theory and experiments.
• Collaborate with researchers to integrate new methods into hyperpolariser systems.
• Publish papers and present findings to collaborators and external audiences.
• Embed sustainability in working practices where possible.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade.

Skills

Spin polarisation physics

Experimental physics

Data analysis (MATLAB/Python)

Laboratory instrumentation

Education

Good Honours degree in Physics/related

PhD in Atomic/ Optical Physics or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

The University of Sheffield invites applications for a Research Associate in Spin Polarisation Physics to join the POLARIS group in the School of Medicine and Population Health. The role focuses on SEOP physics and the development of hyperpolarised xenon gas for MRI applications.

The successful candidate will integrate theoretical modelling with experiments, including rubidium spin polarisation, vapour dynamics and spin‑exchange with xenon nuclei, collaborating with physicists and engineers