Research Associate / Fellow in Theoretical Design of Spin Defects in Quantum Sensors (fixed term, part time)

Salary

£31,387 to £46,485 per annum, pro rata if applicable, depending on skills and experience (minimum £34866 with relevant PhD).

Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.

The Optics and Photonics group at the University of Nottingham are 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, 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.

The role will focus on developing a theoretical model to characterise the optoelectronic characteristics of defects in semiconductors, including the nitrogen vacancy centre in diamond, under external stimuli - in particular magnetic fields. The aim of this will be to provide new insight into their operational behaviour as a platform for quantum sensing, guide the development of enhanced quantum sensing experimental protocol and progress to the theory-led design of novel semiconductor defects for atomic resolution quantum sensing. 

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 proven track record in the development of quantum chemical methodology employing both wavefunction and density functional theories and incorporating the effects of magnetic perturbations. 

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 protocol and the application of computational methods in this context is desirable.

Candidates should have experience working in a multidisciplinary team and 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.

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.

The post is offered on a part time (29 hours per week), fixed term contract until 31 March 2025.

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.

Further details:

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Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.

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