Position Details
School of Physics and Astronomy
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874
Grade: 7
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2027
Closing date: 5th March 2025
UK and International travel may be required for this role
Background
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in the Theoretical Physics group at the University of Birmingham, working in the research team of Prof. Hannah Price as part of the EPSRC Programme Grant "Quantum Advantage In Quantitative Quantum Simulation (QQQS)". Quantum simulation is a powerful approach for exploring important physics by using a quantum system, such as an ultracold atomic gas experiment, to mimic another desired quantum model. This field has flourished in recent years, opening new ways to explore important phenomena, including many-body physics, quantum entanglement, topological physics and out-of-equilibrium effects. The postdoctoral research fellow will use analytical and computational techniques to explore such topics based on state-of-the-art quantum simulators in ultracold atoms.
This full-time position is for 24 months, with the possibility of extension. The ideal start-date is 1st October 2025.
Role Summary
We seek a highly-motivated individual with a theoretical background primarily in one or more of: ultracold atoms, condensed matter physics or quantum information. The successful candidate will:
1. Work within the QQQS programme grant to develop theoretical approaches and computational calculations for cold-atom experiments
2. Operate within the specialisms of ultracold atoms and condensed matter physics
3. Collaborate with other members of the research group and with external research groups
4. Analyse and interpret research findings and results
5. Contribute to generating funding
6. Contribute to the dissemination of research results and to public understanding of physics.
Main Duties
1. Develop research objectives and proposals for joint research as part of the QQQS programme grant
2. Contribute to writing bids for research funding
3. Analyse and interpret data
4. Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
5. Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
6. Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students and undergraduate students
7. Contribute to developing new theoretical models, techniques and methods
8. Undertake management/administration arising from research
9. Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
10. Contribute to public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University
11. Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
12. Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
13. Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
14. Participate in all relevant QQQS programme grant activities
15. Maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
16. Ensure all research data is appropriately stored and made available according to the funder and institutional policies
17. Interact and work with collaborators at Birmingham and at other institutions.
Person Specification
1. Have (or be near to completion of) a PhD in Physics (Theory), or have an equivalent level of professional qualifications and/or experience
2. Expertise in one (or more) of the following disciplines: ultracold atoms, quantum many-body systems, quantum information, condensed matter physics, or a related discipline
3. Exceptional skills in computational simulations and/or analytical modelling for quantum systems
4. A demonstrable track-record of high-quality written research work commensurate with career stage, and appropriate experience of presenting research
5. Ability to communicate complex information clearly to an interdisciplinary audience
6. Ability to contribute to the planning and organising of research, and a clear willingness to work as part of an interdisciplinary research team
7. Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
8. Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
Informal enquiries to Prof. Hannah Price, email: h.price.2@bham.ac.uk
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