Research Fellow

Salary: As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £37,999.

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to August 2025

Background 

Applications are open for a postdoctoral position in the research group led by Bruno Bertini at the University of Birmingham. The duration is one year with the possibility of extension. The group’s research is operating in the area of quantum statistical physics with specific focus on non-equilibrium quantum many-body dynamics. Specific topics of interest include dynamics in quantum circuits and quantum cellular automata, many-body quantum chaos, quantum integrability, (generalised) hydrodynamics, quantum information scrambling, entanglement measures, tensor-network theory. The ideal candidate has either analytical or computational skills (exact diagonalisation or tensor network techniques) and research experience in either many-body quantum physics, statistical mechanics, statistical field theory, quantum-information theory, or quantum computing. 

The School of Physics and Astronomy is a world-leading physics department, excelling in both research and teaching. Our physics research was recently ranked top in the UK for 4-star-category research by the national Research Excellence Framework 2021 exercise. 

The School is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of an Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promote equality and diversity, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, but applications from traditionally under-represented groups in Physics and Astronomy including, but not limited to, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Groups, are particularly encouraged. 

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids 
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results 
• Contribute to generating funding 
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Person Specification 

• PhD (or equivalent) in physics or mathematics or being near to completion
• Strong record of research in theoretical condensed matter physics, quantum information, quantum computing, or a closely related field
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate with others
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries can be made to Bruno Bertini, email: b.bertini@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.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
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.

Closes: 30/01/2025

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