Closing Date
Monday 03 February 2025
Reference
SCI466324
Position Overview
The Optics and Photonics group at the University of Nottingham is seeking to recruit an outstanding theoretical and computational chemist to advance the use of defects in semiconductors as a platform for quantum sensing through developing new approaches for modelling their behaviour under external stimuli. The successful applicant will be based in the School of Chemistry and will work in a multidisciplinary team led by Professor Melissa L. Mather, encompassing both optics/photonics colleagues in the Faculty of Engineering and nanomaterials colleagues in the School of Chemistry.
Key Responsibilities
1. Develop a theoretical model to characterise the optoelectronic characteristics of defects in semiconductors, including the nitrogen vacancy centre in diamond, under external stimuli, particularly magnetic fields.
2. Provide new insights into the operational behaviour of defects as a platform for quantum sensing.
3. Guide the development of enhanced quantum sensing experimental protocols.
4. Progress to the theory-led design of novel semiconductor defects for atomic resolution quantum sensing.
Qualifications
Candidates should have a PhD (or equivalent) in Theoretical/Computational Chemistry or Theoretical Physics, or be close to the completion of such a PhD, and have a proven track record in the development of quantum chemical methodology employing both wavefunction and density functional theories, incorporating the effects of magnetic perturbations.
Experience
Candidates should have extensive experience of applying advanced quantum chemical approaches to both molecular and solid-state systems, using a range of appropriate software packages such as ORCA, QChem, CP2K, and/or GPAW. Knowledge of quantum sensing protocols and the application of computational methods in this context is desirable.
Skills
Candidates should have experience working in a multidisciplinary team and possess excellent communication skills to foster a complementary relationship between theoretical and experimental work in our group. Ideally, candidates will have a track record in developing and managing collaborations with international academic partners. The successful candidate will be expected to take an active role in identifying and developing new directions for research in advancing quantum sensing with semiconductor defects. An outstanding publication track record, commensurate with career stage, is essential; experience preparing research proposals for submission to external funding bodies is highly desirable.
Career Development
As part of career development, the role holders will be exposed to many other exciting projects that the group is involved with. We support early career researchers to flourish through incubating new ideas and guidance for fellowships/grant applications.
Contract Details
The post is offered on a part-time (29 hours per week), fixed-term contract until 31 March 2025.
Application Process
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Melissa.Mather@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.
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