Research Fellow - Cold Atoms research group

We are seeking an exceptional candidate to assist in both translation and research activities, through guided operation and maintenance of equipment. The successful candidate will undertake project work, helping to advance the technology readiness levels of our current sensors. The successful candidate will join the Atom Interferometry team in the Cold Atoms research group at the University of Birmingham. We have projects focused on the realisation of portable sensors and demonstration of their potential benefits in a range of application areas, such as the detection of sub-surface infrastructure or natural hazards. This requires the systems to operate at exceptional precision, while also being sufficiently compact and robust that they can be used in realistic environments.

Person Specification

The successful candidate would require:

• A first degree in physics, engineering or related discipline.
• Demonstrated technical and scientific experience in research undertaken through academia or industry, as evidenced by a PhD in a relevant discipline or equivalent practical experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a self-contained project, and to work effectively as part of a team of scientists or engineers.
• Excellent communication skills, including documentation.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Demonstrated relevant experience with cold atom systems and maintenance and management of technical apparatus.

And would desirably possess qualities such as:

• Experience computer aided design, in particular for related topics such as vacuum systems.
• Experience in the use of additive manufacture equipment for plastics and/or metals
• Experience in liaising with skilled machinists, in particular regarding design for fabrication.
• Experience in interacting with undergraduate students
• A keen interest in developing technology and a broad range of technical skills.
• Experience collaborating with industry partners.
• First aid training.
• Experience with risk assessment procedures and mitigation along with the associated documentation.