Research Fellow in Cold Atom Gradiometry - Physics and Astronomy - 97764 - Grade 7

Position Details

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Physics and Astronomy

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £30,942 to £40,322, with potential progression once in post to £42,792

Grade 7

Full Time 

Fixed term contract until 31st May 2023

2 vacancies available

Closing date – 13th August 2021

Background

Atom interferometry has become a versatile tool for fundamental research and, more recently, has started to move out of the laboratory towards quantum sensing for a wide range of applications. The atom interferometry group at the University of Birmingham is focused on the development of sensors for the measurement of gravity and gravity gradiometry. 

The group is now seeking candidates to play a key role in the developing the next generation of compact cold atom gravity gradiometers. The aim is to create portable devices that can operate on moving vehicles. Within this position, the successful candidates will develop the cold atom gravity gradiometer, the requisite underpinning hardware and perform research into enabling operation on moving platforms. This will include testing the devices in conjunction with external partners, in collaboration with industry and academia.

The successful candidate will be based in the Technology Transfer Centre at Birmingham, and play a significant role in the UK Quantum Technology Hub for Sensing and Timing. The group has a strong track record in securing funding, delivering research outputs and career development. The composition of the wider team is diverse, and includes people with a range of skills across physics and engineering. Our work combines precision metrology with innovation, striving for fast-paced development. We are seeking an individual who is excited by application-focussed research and with a keen interest in technology development. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusivity and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Summary of Role

•    Develop compact gravity gradiometers, their underpinning hardware and perform research into new approaches to overcome key challenges
•    Contribute to research outputs
•    Analyse and interpret research findings and results 
•    Contribute to generating funding 
•    Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties / Responsibilities

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.
•    Play a key role in the development of a compact cold atom gravity gradiometry system, in conjunction with team members
•    Project reporting and liaison with industry and academic project partners
•    Management of local project team and activities under supervision of project leader
•    Contribute to writing bids for research funding
•    Analyse and interpret data
•    Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
•    Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
•    Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
•    Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 
•    Undertake management/administration arising from research
•    Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
•    Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
•    Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews *
•    Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters *
•    Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research *
•    Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines*
•    Promote equality and diversity values acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

* These indicative responsibilities may also be included in a research role at grade 6.

Person Specification

•    First degree in Physics or related discipline and a higher degree in experimental physics or related discipline, or equivalent qualifications
•    Experience in relevant experimental techniques from atomic, molecular and optical physics and/or relevant related technical areas
•    An excellent team player with great initiative, a positive attitude to change, and the ability and desire to provide direction and encouragement to colleagues and students
•    High level analytical capability
•    Ability to communicate complex information clearly
•    Adaptable to project management structures, such as conventional and agile project management approaches, including understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes 
•    Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
•    Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
•    Ability to contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
•    Ability to co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
•    If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you could thrive in the role we would still like to hear from you
•    Knowledge of, and/or willingness to be trained in, the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquires to Michael Holynski - [email protected]

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment   

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.