Research Associate: Spin & SEOP 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 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