Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Light and Matter, Physics Department
15 hours ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate – Quantum Light and Matter, Physics Department Several Postdoctoral Research Associate positions are available to pursue experimental research in atomic, molecular, and optical physics within the Durham Quantum Light and Matter group. The positions are associated with a new five‑year Programme Grant on "Quantum Many‑Body Physics with Ultracold Polar Molecules" funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). They build upon our expertise in creating ultracold RbCs molecules in the rovibrational ground state and trapping them in rotationally magic traps. Post holders will work directly with Prof. Simon Cornish and other members of the group. Research Focus The goal is to synthesise and study artificial quantum materials using ultracold molecules arranged in regular arrays to probe novel quantum phenomena in strongly interacting systems. The use of molecules is motivated by their rich internal structure and by the existence of controllable long‑range dipole‑dipole interactions, long trap lifetimes, and strong coupling to electric and microwave fields. Responsibilities Encode synthetic dimensions in molecules confined in rotationally magic traps. Create many‑body quantum states of molecules in optical lattices for quantum simulation. Produce strongly dipolar Bose‑Einstein condensates of molecules. Operate magneto‑optical traps, produce quantum degenerate gases, and manage optical trapping and lattices. Work independently and as part of a small research team. Enhance international contacts through conference presentations and exchange visits. Supervise graduate students and contribute to undergraduate teaching. Develop and adapt research protocols, contributing own research ideas within the project. Deliver research goals within the Programme Grant timeline. Qualifications PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or a related field with a focus on atomic, molecular, and optical physics. Experience with ultracold gases and experimental techniques such as magneto‑optical trapping, optical lattices, and quantum degenerate gas production. Strong experimental design and data analysis skills. Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment. Excellent communication skills for conference presentations and scientific writing. Contract Details Initial fixed term of 24 months, extendable to up to 60 months. Expected start date: January 2026 (ideally). Employment Type Full‑time #J-18808-Ljbffr
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North East, United Kingdom Durham University Full timeDurham University Durham University is one of the world's top universities with strengths across the Arts and Humanities, Sciences and Social Sciences. We are home to some of the most talented scholars and researchers from around the world who are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives. Durham University sits in a beautiful historic...
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North East, United Kingdom Durham University Full timeApplications are invited for two Postdoctoral Research Associates in theoretical atomic and molecular physics, to work in association with Prof Jeremy M Hutson, FRS, on the quantum mechanics involved in the formation and properties of ultracold molecules. The theoretical work is associated with EPSRC-funded research grants on: Leveraging Yb clock states to...
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North East, United Kingdom Euraxess Full timeOrganisation/Company Durham University Research Field Physics Chemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 5 Jan 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the...
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North East, United Kingdom Durham University Full timeThe Role Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Theoretical Physics with a particular emphasis on the topic of Categorical Symmetries in String Theory, Quantum Field Theory and Gravity, as relevant to the Simons Collaboration on Categorical Symmetries, which is funding the position. The successful applicant will be expected to...
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Postdoc in Quantum Light
2 weeks ago
North East, United Kingdom Durham University Full timeA prominent UK university is seeking Postdoctoral Research Associates to pursue experimental research in atomic, molecular, and optical physics. Candidates should have a strong background in physics, specifically in ultracold gases, and will work on a new five-year research program. The role includes conducting research, presenting findings, and contributing...
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Postdoctoral Research Associate
5 days ago
North East, United Kingdom Durham University Full timeWe welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long‑term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support...
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Project Officer, Quantum Many-Body Physics
7 days ago
North East, United Kingdom Durham University Full timeJoin to apply for the Project Officer, Quantum Many‑Body Physics role at Durham University A part‑time fixed‑term Project Officer position is available to support a new research project within the Durham Quantum Light and Matter group. The position is funded by UKRI and focuses on understanding the behaviour of interacting many‑body quantum systems....
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North East, United Kingdom Euraxess Full timeA leading research institution in the UK is inviting applications for two Postdoctoral Research Associates in theoretical atomic and molecular physics. The successful applicants will contribute to projects related to ultracold molecules, focusing on quantum mechanics and scattering methods. Ideal candidates should have a PhD in Physics or a related field,...
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Postdoc: Theoretical Ultracold Molecules
2 weeks ago
North East, United Kingdom Durham University Full timeA leading research university in the UK is seeking two Postdoctoral Research Associates to work on theoretical atomic and molecular physics. The role includes the development of quantum-mechanical models related to ultracold molecules and collaboration with prominent researchers. Successful candidates will contribute their ideas and work within a dynamic...
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Postdoc: Ultracold Molecules
2 weeks ago
North East, United Kingdom Durham University Full timeA leading university in the UK invites applications for two Postdoctoral Research Associates in theoretical atomic and molecular physics. The successful applicants will research ultracold molecules' dynamics and develop quantum-mechanical methods over a fixed term of 24 months, contributing to significant EPSRC-funded projects. Preferred candidates should...
