Research Associate

Job number **NAT02025** - Faculties **Faculty of Natural Sciences** - Departments **Department of Physics** - Salary or Salary range **£49,017 - £57,472 per annum** - Location/campus **South Kensington Campus - On site only** - Contract type work pattern **Full time - Fixed term** - Posting End Date **20 Sep 2025** **About the role**: Applications are invited for a Research Associate position available in the Centre for Cold Matter, part of the Matter Community with the Department of Physics. You will produce independent and original research exploring the frontiers of quantum many-body physics using ensembles of ultracold polar molecules. The role is part of a collaborative programme grant focussed on this topic, and you will collaborate with other research groups within the UK and with our research partners from across the world. **What you would be doing**: The focus of this role will be experimental work using laser-cooled molecules. The aim is to cool the molecules towards quantum degeneracy, organize them into regular arrays using optical tweezer traps and optical lattices, and study the many body physics arising from their long-range dipolar interactions. You will work within a vibrant and collaborative environment alongside other experimentalists and with experts in many-body theory and the few-body theory of molecular interactions. You will be expected to plan and carry out research, write up results for publication and oral presentations, report to the management group of the programme, liaise with collaborators within and outside Imperial College, assist in the maintenance of lab facilities and the administration of the research team, and support research students. This project will involve a high degree of teamwork and interdisciplinary research. **What we are looking for**: The following are essential requirements for the role: - Hold a PhD* (or near completion) in experimental Physics or a closely related discipline. - A strong background in experimental quantum science using atoms, molecules or ions. - Proven ability to work in experiment-centred teams and to collaborate well with others - Technical knowledge of laser systems and the control of laser light. - Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. The following are desirable requirements for the role: - Experience in laser cooling and trapping, preferably including quantum gases - Experience in simulation and data analysis - Experience of using data acquisition hardware and software For a full list of requirements, see the job description. **What we can offer you**: - You will be joining the Centre for Cold Matter, a world leading research group specialising in quantum science, fundamental physics and quantum technologies with molecules, atoms and ions. - You will also be joining the interdisciplinary, multi-institution research programme "Quantum many-body physics with ultracold polar molecules" and will have opportunities to collaborate with experts in the science of ultracold molecules, few-body interactions and many-body physics, including leaders from across the UK and around the world. - You will have opportunities to develop your own research ideas and present your results in high-profile publications and conferences. - Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers. We will help you develop as a scientist. - Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes). - Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing. **Further information**: More information about the Department of Physics, the Matter Community and the staff benefits that we offer, can be found on our webpages. This is a full-time post. The position is available immediately for a fixed-term contract for 24 months, with potential for future extensions. Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above. **Available documents**: - Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.- Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above. **About Imperial**: Welcome to Imperial, a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact. Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact. As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.