Research Fellow (105101-0122)

Vacancy Type/Job category
Research Only
Department
Physics
Salary
£31,406 - £40,927 per annum
Location
University of Warwick, Coventry
Vacancy Overview
Fixed-term contract until 28/02/2023. 36.5 hours per week.
The Department of Physics seeks to appoint a Research Fellow in the area of theoretical quantum sensing and metrology, with particular emphasis on quantum-light spectroscopy of complex quantum systems. The position is based in the quantum information science group of Dr. Animesh Datta.
The position is initially available for a fixed term ending on February 28, 2023. There is the possibility of a 12 month extension thereafter.
You will develop theoretical schemes for quantum-enhanced sensing of multiple parameters individually or simultaneously. The schemes will be applied complex quantum systems such as molecules embedded in natural or engineered environments. The project will combine methods from quantum information theory with quantum light-matter interactions in open quantum systems. Particular emphasis is to be placed on the experimental feasibility of these schemes with regards to identifying the optimal quantum states of light, as well as their measurement. The overall goal will be to propose quantum-enhanced spectroscopy schemes for complex quantum systems that may be implemented experimentally.
You will work with graduate students and other PDRAs in the quantum information science group of Dr. Animesh Datta.
You should possess or be very close to obtaining a PhD in a relevant scientific discipline and have a strong background in quantum light-matter interactions, open quantum systems, quantum and classical estimation theory. Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge of areas of physics such as linear and nonlinear spectroscopy and familiarity with statistics.
You will be an excellent communicator capable of working effectively both independently and as part of a research team. You will possess excellent planning and time management skills to ensure your research objectives are achieved effectively. You will have a current knowledge of the quantum-light spectroscopy literature.
Applications should include a CV, list of publications, a statement of research interests, and the contact information of three referees. The post reference number should be quoted in all correspondence.
Informal inquiries can be made to Dr. Animesh Datta. Further details about the research group can also be obtained at www.warwick.ac.uk/qinfo
Interview Date: Mid-February, 2022.
Job Description
JOB PURPOSE
Responsible for defining, developing and executing research directed toward quantum-enhanced sensing of complex quantum systems, by combining methods from quantum information theory with quantum light-matter interactions open quantum systems. To work with team members in the successful execution of the project.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Research and Scholarship
• Involvement in key decisions on research directions, methodologies and research responsibilities.
• Work with students and Research Fellows in the group of Dr. Datta and other collaborating groups.
• Contribute to the positive atmosphere, maintenance and smooth running of the research group, as required.
• Contributing to the intellectual life of the research group and the collaboration, including participating in video and teleconference meetings as required, and travelling for national and international collaboration when required.
• Writing of research papers for internationally refereed journals and presenting results at national and international conferences.
• Contribute to the writing of research grants, reports required for sponsors reporting, including milestone reports, and final reports before the end of the contract.
Teaching and Learning Support
• Assist in the supervision of student projects and the development of student research skills.
Administration and Other Activities
• May be required to attend departmental meetings and to participate (where necessary) in other committees and working groups within the department, the faculty and the University.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety in all aspects of work.
• Work within budget constraints.
• Assisting with other reasonably practical and administrative duties as required.
The duties and responsibilities outlined are not intended to be an exhaustive list but rather to provide guidance on the main aspects of the post. The post-holder will be required to be flexible in his or her duties.

Person Specification

The Person Specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively. This is measured by (a) Application Form, (b) Test/Exercise, (c) Interview, (d) Presentation.

Essential Criteria 1
Hold, or be about to attain, a PhD or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. physics, chemistry, mathematics). (a, c)
Essential Criteria 2
Proven research skills in the theory of quantum light-matter interactions, open quantum systems, quantum optics, quantum information science (ideally quantum sensing). (a, c)
Essential Criteria 3
An emerging track record of publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals and/or conferences. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 4
Willingness to travel for overseas collaborative visits, and to present research at international conferences. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 5
A sound background and experience in theoretical analysis of physics problems. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 6
Programming skills in Python, Fortran, Matlab, Mathematica, or equivalent. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 7
Ability to effectively communicate research through verbal and written presentation. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 8
Willingness to engage with experimentalists developing quantum-light spectroscopy of complex quantum systems. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 9
Ability to initiate, plan, implement and deliver programmes of research work to defined deadlines. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 10
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a research team. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 11
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 12
An understanding of equal opportunity issues as they may impact on areas of research content. (a, c)
Desirable Criteria 1
Experience in quantum-light spectroscopy of complex quantum systems, quantum estimation theory. (a, c)
Further Particulars
The University
For further information about the University of Warwick, please visit our website at:
www.warwick.ac.uk/services/humanresources/jobsintro/furtherparticulars
The Department of Physics
For further information about the Department of Physics, please visit our website at:
www.warwick.ac.uk/qinfo
The Post
Over the last two decades, the processing of information at the quantum level has promised performances impossible classically. Impressive experiments have demonstrated the in-principle validity of numerous quantum information tasks over this period.
The central objective of this post is develop theoretical schemes for quantum-enhanced sensing of multiple parameters individually or simultaneously. The schemes will be applied complex quantum systems such as molecules embedded in natural or engineered environments. The project will combine methods from quantum information theory with quantum light-matter interactions open quantum systems. Particular emphasis is to be placed on the experimental feasibility of these schemes with regards to identifying the optimal quantum states of light as well as their measurement. The overall goal will be to propose quantum-enhanced spectroscopy schemes for complex quantum systems that may be implemented experimentally.
The post is supported by the EPSRC under the New Horizons programme.
The Physics Department and the University of Warwick are proud of their diverse community of staff, students, and visitors, and are committed to maintaining an excellent record in teaching and research by ensuring that there is equality of opportunity for all, fostered in an environment of mutual respect and dignity.
Both the Physics Department and the University of Warwick hold Athena SWAN Silver awards, a national initiative to promote gender equality for all staff and students. The Physics Department is also a Juno Champion, which is an award from the Institute of Physics to recognise our efforts to address the under-representation of women in university physics and to encourage better practice for both women and men.
Further information can be found at www.warwick.ac.uk/physics/staff/working/ .
The University supports flexible working and requests for job-share will be considered where possible.
Childcare can be provided for you at the University of Warwick Nursery (www.warwick.ac.uk/services/childrensservices/nursery ) in order for you to attend the interview. Childcare is subject to availability of places at the Nursery.
If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant on level 5 of the University grade structure (£30,497 pa). Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of level 6 of the University grade structure (£31,406 pa).
Right to work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK points-based immigration system please click on this link which contains further information about obtaining right to work in the UK and details about eligibility for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa.
The University of Warwick provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual’s differences. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010.

Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy

As an organisation using the (DBS) Disclosure and Barring Service to assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, the University of Warwick complies with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed. More information is available on the University’s Vacancy pages and applicants may request a copy of the DBS Code of Practice.

Closing Date
21 Feb 2022