Research Associate in Gravitational Physics

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Research Associate in Gravitational Physics
Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy

The Cardiff University Gravity Exploration Institute (http://www.astro.cardiff.ac.uk/research/gravity/) is seeking applications to fill the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate. Two positions are available at the Grade 6 level.
Cardiff has a long history of involvement in ground-based gravitational-wave physics, particularly in source modelling, data analysis, and astrophysical and cosmological interpretations (Stephen Fairhurst, Mark Hannam, Vivien Raymond, B. Sathyaprakash, Bernard Schutz, Patrick Sutton, Fabio Antonini), instrument design and commissioning (Hartmut Grote, Katherine Dooley, Keiko Kokeyama), electromagnetic follow-up of gravitational-wave events (Cosimo Inserra), and education and public outreach (Chris North).
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in experimental gravitational-wave and fundamental physics.
The successful candidates will work on our QUEST experiment, a bespoke set of two co-located table-top laser interferometers in Cardiff designed to answer pressing questions in fundamental physics. The high-power and squeezed-light-enhanced interferometers will enable us to probe the potential quantization of space-time and to set new upper-limits on dark matter candidates and ultra-high-frequency gravitational waves. QUEST harnesses the precision technology and techniques that have been developed for gravitational wave detectors and thus also serves as a testbed for developing technology for 3G detectors such as Einstein Telescope and Cosmic Explorer. 

The postdocs will work together with our team to commission the table-top interferometers to reach a world-record sensitivity. They will also contribute to the design and commissioning of a follow-on version of the experiment in a newly refurbished lab which allows arm lengths of 5m. While both postdocs will work collaboratively, their research directions will be distinct. Possible lines of work include designing a novel detector readout using single photon detection, a new direction combining quantum technology with precision interferometry, and the design and testing of adaptive optics for high laser power and squeezed light integration, including a variable reflectivity signal recycling mirror.
Both positions are fixed-term for 2 years and are full-time. They are available immediately.

Salary: £39,347 - £44,263 per annum (Grade 6)

https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/jobs/what-we-can-offer/financial-benefits/pay-scales

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Katherine Dooley ([email protected]) or Stephen Fairhurst ([email protected])

For informal enquiries about working at Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy please contact [email protected]

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable criteria. As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement.  Please ensure that the evidence you are providing, corresponds with the numbered criteria outlined in the person specification. Your application will be considered based on the information you provide under each criteria.

When attaching the supporting statement to your application, please ensure that you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance 17860BR

Date advert posted: Wednesday, 6 December 2023

Closing date: Wednesday, 17 January 2024

Please NOTE: Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University and the School of Physics and Astronomy are committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity. Our inclusive environment welcomes applications from talented people from diverse backgrounds. We strongly welcome female applicants and those from any ethnic minority group, as they are underrepresented in our School. The School of Physics & Astronomy has a Juno Champion accreditation and an Athena SWAN Silver award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women and other minorities working in science. The University is committed to ensuring that we sustain a positive working environment for all staff to flourish and achieve. As part of this commitment, the University has developed a flexible and responsive framework of procedures to support staff in managing their work and personal commitments wherever possible. Applications are welcome from individuals who wish to work part-time or full time.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Job Description

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

Research 
⦁    To conduct research within gravitational-wave and fundamental physics and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
⦁    To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
⦁    To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
⦁    To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
⦁    To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
⦁    To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
⦁    To participate in School research activities.
⦁    To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

Other
⦁    To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally  to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
⦁    To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
⦁    To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
⦁    Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria 

Qualifications and Education
1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission must be awarded within six month of start date) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2.    An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
i.    Gravitational-wave detector instrumentation, including the design and/or commissioning of laser interferometers
ii.    Control theory and practice with commissioning feedback control loops
iii.    Single photon detection and/or squeezed vacuum states of light

3.    Knowledge of current status of research in gravitational-wave physics.

4.    Proven ability to publish in international journals.

5.    Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies 

Communication and Team Working
6.    Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

7.    Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other
8.    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work

9.    Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria 

10.    Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.

Additional Information

To conduct research within gravitational-wave and fundamental physics and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Job Category

Academic - Research