Research Fellow in Quantum Nanophysics

Location:  Highfield Campus
Salary:   £30,395 per annum
Full Time Fixed Term - until 31/12/2019
Closing Date:  Tuesday 18 December 2018
Interview Date:   To be confirmed
Reference:  1081718WF

Investigations on quantum features in large-size systems are deemed “at the forefront of physics”, yet research efforts along this line are considered “in [their] infancy and important issues remain to be explored”. 

This project will explore precisely such issues by experimentally investigating the validity of quantum physics at the genuine mesoscopic level, thus tackling a regime that has remained so far unaddressed. We are setting up an experimental apparatus based on levitated nanoparticles to investigate the limits of the quantum framework when quantum dynamics of mesoscopic systems is addressed. The methodological approach to the declared overarching goal of the project will pass through the investigation of both environmental decoherence and non-standard mechanisms (from spontaneous localisation to gravity-induced decoherence) that are considered to be responsible for the un-observability of quantum effects at the macroscopic scale.

This post is for a Research Fellow to support and inform the quantum experiments in the Quantum Nanophysics group of Professor Hendrik Ulbricht at Southampton [www.quantumnano.org] up to 31/12/2019. We expect the candidate to be an excellent physicist with a PhD* or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in theoretical physics, with experience in quantum optics theory in one or more of the following fields as desirable: decoherence theory, open quantum system dynamics, coherent control, quantum and classical optimal feedback, and continuous weak measurements.  The applicant should be highly motivated and a leader for postgraduate students in the group.

*Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Application Procedure:

You should submit your completed online application form at https://jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Rosie McPhail (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 4043. Please quote reference 1081718WF on all correspondence.