Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in the EPSRC Responsive mode EP/Y021339/1 grant title "Electric and optical manipulation of 2D excitons for room temperature polariton blockade and valley qubits" and join the group of Prof Misha Portnoi part of the Quantum Systems and Nanomaterials academic group lead by Prof Saverio Russo and principal investigator of the grant. The project aims at studying light interacting with 2D materials, and design novel devices able manipulate quasiparticles such as polaritons and excitons on a chip for quantum devices.

You will work on the theoretical study of the optical properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials, focusing on the electric field control of 2D interlayer excitons and their integration in optical microcavities.

The post will include:

• Determining the valley-dependent optical selection rules of 2D materials
• Developing a model to describe electric-field-tuneable interlayer excitons in 2D-TMDs.
• Calculating the optical spectra of interlayer excitons as a function of the applied electric field.
• The study of strong light-matter coupling arising from excitons in TMDs interacting with photons contained within a microcavity.

This post is available immediately until 30 April 2027 in the Department of Physics. You will do research in the fields of 2D materials, quantum optics and opto-electronics. The applicant shall be willing to engage with a range of collaborators of the project. We welcome applicants with background in various research subjects, including but not limited to

• Extensive expertise in working with matrix Hamiltonians
• Proficiency in calculating the single-particle and excitonic energy spectrum of Dirac materials for a variety of model potentials.
• Experience in determining the optical selection rules of various Dirac materials
• Skills in calculating the influence of electric fields and magnetic fields on the optical spectra of Dirac materials.
• Competence in calculating valley-dependent optical selection in 2D Dirac materials.

The post duties will include developing theoretical models, working alongside experimentalists for the validation of the theoretical models, writing and publishing original scientific papers, as well as taking part in weekly group meetings and yearly project meetings. Regular participation in international conferences is planned throughout the project. We offer an opportunity to join a dynamic and rapidly developing group of scientists that work together in a constructive, positive, and inclusive environment.

About you

You will be able to develop research objectives in the relevant areas of physics, work collaboratively, and co-supervise the work of other researchers. They will have excellent writing skills, desire to self-study, and will be goal-oriented. During the project, the applicant is expected to learn or improve the skills that are required to acquire independence as a researcher.

The project provides funding for participating in several conferences each year. In these conferences, the candidate will share the results of the group to an international audience, build their own network, and facilitate new collaborations with leading scientists in the relevant fields. You will also be encouraged to participate in external stays at leading institutions with which the group is routinely collaborating. Interactions with other groups in Exeter is also supported. 

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. Applicants will be a nationally recognised authority and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

Advert information