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Research Fellow in Atomic and Molecular Physics

Employer
University College London
Location
London, UK
Salary
£38308 - £46155 per annum + plus benefits
Posting live until
27 Dec 2022

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Job Details

About us

The Physics and Astronomy Department at UCL is located in the heart of the historical area of Bloomsbury. UCL Physics & Astronomy is among the top departments in the UK for this subject area: UCL is consistently placed in the global top 20 across a wide range of university rankings - and is currently 8th in the QS World University Rankings 2020, and 4th in the UK for Physics & Astronomy. We have forged an internationally renowned reputation for being at the forefront of world leading research and providing high class teaching. Those joining us can expect to be part of a dynamic community of Physicists and Astronomers whose enthusiasm for science and innovation is exceptional.

About the role

As is well known, the Universe should not exist in its present matter-dominated form. Our current understanding of physics is largely encapsulated by the Standard Model, which tells us that after the Big Bang equal amounts of matter and antimatter should have been produced. However, we find ourselves in a Universe almost completely devoid of antimatter, a situation for which there currently is no satisfactory explanation. If you find this situation intolerable and would like to try and do something about it then this may be the opportunity for you.

There is an opening for a Research Associate to work in the groups of Professors David Cassidy and Stephen Hogan on topics related to gravity measurements via matter-wave interferometry of helium and positronium atoms in highly excited Rydberg states.


The post will involve three main areas of research: (1) design and construction of a new (anti)matter-wave interferometer for use in experiments with helium and positronium Rydberg atoms, (2) application of this matter-wave interferometer for first measurements of acceleration due to gravity with samples in high Rydberg states, and (3) critical evaluation of the sensitivity, and refinement of this interferometry scheme for measurements of antimatter gravity with Rydberg positronium atoms.

The RA will be expected to contribute to all aspects of the experiments, and will take a leading role in planning and executing research strategies, promoting the work at international conferences and engaging in outreach activities.

This project is funded by the STFC and the position is offered for 2 years in the first instance, but may be extended subject to funding considerations.

About you

The successful applicant will have a PhD, in experimental atomic physics, physical chemistry, quantum optics or a related subject. It is desirable that the candidate will have experience with pulsed laser systems, ultra high vacuum systems, basic electronics, and programming using Python. Prior experience with positron beams is not required.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at research assistant Grade 6B (salary £30,922-£32,607 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

Candidates will need to upload a CV (including a list of publications), a statement of research interests and plans (3 pages maximum), and the contact information for three references. A cover letter can be included using the "Statement in Support of your Application" section of the online form. Applicants should arrange for three letters of reference to be emailed to the contact details as detailed on the full UCL advert by the application deadline.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

* 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)

* Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme

* Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)

* Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan

* Immigration loan

* Relocation scheme for certain posts

* On-Site nursery

* On-site gym

* Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay

* Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service

* Discounted medical insurance

 

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

 

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

 

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.

 

Company

Founded in 1826 in the heart of London, UCL is London's leading multidisciplinary university, with more than 13,000 staff and 42,000 students from 150 different countries.

Company info
Website
Location
20 Gordon Street
London
WC1H 0AJ
GB

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