Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow in Developing Quantum Sensors to Probe the Quantum Biology of Single Molecules

This UKRI-funded full-time post: Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow in developing quantum sensors to probe the quantum biology of single molecules is available immediately until February 2025, with the possibility for extension pending grant award.

We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.

The post
The successful applicant will:

Utilise the single molecule technique developed in Professor Vollmer's laboratory, which is based on optical microcavities with whispering gallery modes (WGMs). You will apply quantum measurements using entangled and squeezed light sources to probe single molecules and their conformational states with precision beyond the shot noise limit.

You will complete building a light source that employs a nonlinear optical interaction, specifically spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) in a PPKTP crystal, enclosed in an optical cavity. This setup will produce spectrally narrow (~10 MHz) and tuneable entangled photons and squeezed light to match the excitations of WGMs. You will harness Enhanced Whispering Gallery Mode Phase Shift using Indistinguishable Photon Pairs and squeezed light, as detailed in Callum Jones, Antonio Vidiella-Barranco, Jolly Xavier, Frank Vollmer, "Enhanced Whispering Gallery Mode Phase Shift using Indistinguishable Photon Pairs" (arXiv:2404.17409, 2024). https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2404.17409.

You will improve WGM detection limits (signal-to-noise ratio, SNR) for detecting dilute proteins interacting with our sensor individually. This will enable the detection of signals at lower concentrations of an Alzheimer’s biomarker (amyloid beta protein). Additionally, you will quantify absorption cross-sections and WGM signals associated with conformational state transitions within the photocycle of Bacteriorhodopsin, a well-established protein model system for studying photochemistry, proton-pumping, and the visual process.

About you
The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in optical sensing using entangled or squeezed light and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Applicants will be able to complete setting up a PPKTP crystal, enclosed in an optical cavity for producing spectrally narrow (~10 MHz) and tuneable entangled photons and squeezed light. The applicant will carry out single molecule sensing on WGM sensors probed with the entangled photons/squeezed light.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button) for full details of this role.

To find out more about what we off our staff, please visit: Benefits | Prospective Staff | University of Exeter.

The University of Exeter
We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024).

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Further information
For further information please contact Prof Frank Vollmer, e-mail f.vollmer@exeter.ac.uk or telephone (01392) 724711.

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