Research Fellow in Experimental AMO Physics

About us

UCL is one of the world's top universities based in the heart of London. It is a modern, outward-looking institution. UCL's staff and former students have included 32 Nobel prize winners. It is a truly international community: more than one-third of our student body – more than 35,000 strong – come from 150 countries and nearly one-third of staff are from outside the UK.

About the role

There is an immediate opening to work in the group of Dr. Luke Caldwell on a new platform for probing hadronic CP violation using deformed nuclei embedded in ultracold triatomic molecules. The successful applicant will help develop an apparatus to laser cool Yb atoms and CaF molecules and load them into arrays of optical tweezer traps. Pairs of Yb atoms and CaF molecules will then be associated into triatomic YbCaF molecules.

The postholder will work closely with Dr. Luke Caldwell to deliver the research goals. It is expected that they will present their work at international conferences and take part in visits with international collaborators.

This position is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) for 2 years in the first instance. The start date can be flexible.

Candidates will need to upload a CV (including a list of publications), a statement of research interests and plans (3 pages maximum – less is fine), and the contact information for three references.

About you

The successful applicant will have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in experimental physics or a closely related area. A strong background in atomic, molecular and optical physics is essential.

The post holder will be expected to take a leading role in the planning and execution of the experiment and so must have experience and familiarity with the techniques used in laser cooling of atoms and/or molecules. Other duties will include working with graduate and undergraduate students in the group, engaging in outreach activities, and contributing to peer reviewed publications. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Knowledge of optical tweezer trapping or techniques for associating molecules from atoms is desirable but not essential.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be a Research Assistant Grade 6B (salary £38,357 - £41,005 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce or in the Physics & Astronomy department. These include people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and women.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

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