Research Fellow in Theoretical Physics

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to September 2027

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. 

Main Duties

• Develop research objectives and proposals for joint research as part of the QQQS programme grant
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students and undergraduate students 
• Contribute to developing new theoretical models, techniques and methods 
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
• Participate in all relevant QQQS programme grant activities
• Maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
• Ensure all research data is appropriately stored and made available according to the funder and institutional policies
• Interact and work with collaborators at Birmingham and at other institutions.

Person Specification

• Have (or be near to completion of) a PhD in Physics (Theory), or have an equivalent level of professional qualifications and/or experience
• Expertise in one (or more) of the following disciplines: ultracold atoms, quantum many-body systems, quantum information, condensed matter physics, or a related discipline
• Exceptional skills in computational simulations and/or analytical modelling for quantum systems 
• A demonstrable track-record of high-quality written research work commensurate with career stage, and appropriate experience of presenting research
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to an interdisciplinary audience
• Ability to contribute to the planning and organising of research, and a clear willingness to work as part of an interdisciplinary research team
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.

Informal enquiries can be made to Prof. Hannah Price, email: h.price.2@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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