Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed term)

Reference

SCI383822

Closing Date

Wednesday, 5th October 2022

Job Type

Research

Department

Mathematical Sciences

Salary

£28762 to £34308 per annum, (pro rata if applicable) depending on skills and experience (minimum £32348 with relevant PhD).

We are providing an exciting opportunity for a researcher to join our efforts to set up a gravity simulator to conduct quantum simulations of Black Hole and Early Universe processes in a controlled laboratory environment. This project is part of a UK wide initiative on Quantum Simulators for Fundamental Physics (qsimfp.org). 

We are looking for a researcher in the field of experimental physics with a background in optics and/or gravity simulators. There are two posts available, one in Mathematical Sciences and one in Physics both based at our University Park Campus.

For the post related to experimental optics, we are looking for a candidate with a solid track record in either experimental optics / optical interferometry or optomechanics.

For the post related to gravity simulators, we are looking for a candidate with a solid track record in either theoretical and/or experimental analogue gravity studies.

The central aim of the project is to set up a novel quantum simulator equipped with an interferometric quantum-sensitive measurement scheme. 

The successful candidate will be placed at the University of Nottingham, working under the supervision of Prof. Silke Weinfurtner,Prof. and Prof. Tony Kent, they are expected to closely interact with Dr Xavier Rojas ultra-low temperature group at Royal Holloway, University London. Theoretical support for our activity will be provided by Prof. Ruth Gregory (Kings College London), Dr Jorma Louko (University of Nottingham), Prof. Ralf Schuetzhold (Helmholz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Germany) and Prof. William Unruh (University of British Columbia, Canada). 

You will be able to carry out duties to the highest standard and to evidence how through your experience you will:

• Undertake original research of international excellence.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own and/or collaborative research area.
• Prepare papers for publication in leading journals and/or contribute to the dissemination at national/international conferences, workshops and meetings resulting in successful research outputs.

We are looking for a confident, organised researcher who can evidence:

• PhD (or close to completion) in experimental physics or a related field
• Undergraduate degree in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics or appropriately related discipline
• Expert knowledge of experimental physics in either handling of cryogenic and/or optical system.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.

The University of Nottingham is committed to creating opportunities for people traditionally under-represented in the Faculty of Sciences and strives to maintain an environment where people can be their authentic selves.

Both positions are full-time (36.25 hours) and available from 1 October 2022 (or as soon as possible thereafter). The post in Mathematical Sciences is available until 30 September 2024 and the post in Physics until 30 June 2024. Arrangements for job share would be considered.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Silke Weinfurtner , tel: 0115 9513865 or email [email protected]. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Our University is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We warmly welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. We welcome applications from UK, Europe and from across the globe. For more information on the support we offer our international colleagues, see our Moving to Nottingham pages.

For successful international applicants, we provide financial support for your visa and the immigration health surcharge, plus an interest-free loan to help cover the cost of immigration-related expenses for any dependants accompanying you to the UK. For more information please see the our webpage on Financial support for visas and the immigration health surcharge .