Research Fellow - School of Physics and Astronomy - 105347 - Grade 7

Position Details

School of Physics and Astronomy

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2027

2 positions available

Closing date: 6th May 2025

Background

The School of Physics and Astronomy is a world-leading physics department, excelling in both research and teaching. Our physics research was recently ranked top in the UK for 4-star-category research, and 4th by GPA, by the Research Excellence Framework 2021. The 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Professor Mike Kosterlitz and Professor David Thouless jointly for their work into the discoveries of the properties of matter, work which started when they were at Birmingham together. The 2017 Prize was awarded for the detection of gravitational waves, in which Birmingham staff played a key role.

The School’s research portfolio is wide-ranging, and covers three principal themes: Quantum Matter; Particle and Nuclear Physics; and Astronomy and Experimental Gravity. It has over 120 academic and research staff together with 120 graduate students with around 50 technical and clerical support staff.

Atom interferometry has become a versatile tool for fundamental research and, more recently, has started to move out of the laboratory towards quantum sensing for a wide range of applications.

The Quantum Sensing Group at the University of Birmingham is seeking candidates who are eager to undertake research into cold atom gravity gradient sensing for practical applications. We are seeking individuals with a background in experimental physics or a related area, who are excited by research and who have an interest in technology development.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups in Physics and Astronomy including, but not limited to, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Groups.

Role Summary

The positions will initially focus on research into experimental and modelling techniques for increasing the resilience of atom interferometers, investigating cutting-edge techniques such as optimal control, and novel interferometry and imaging schemes, and their application in practical field trials.

The successful candidate will join a Prosperity Partnership project between the group and three leading industry partners from aerospace, microfabrication and innovation domains. They will work closely with the project team to apply to consider and address challenges involved in integration of quantum sensors into complex systems.

They will also join a thriving quantum technology research base at the University of Birmingham. The University has been active in quantum technologies since 2014 and now leads the UK Quantum Technology Research Hub in Sensing, Imaging and Timing (QuSIT). Bringing together academic partners from seven universities, the British Geological Survey and the National Physical Laboratory, this interdisciplinary Hub is active in translating quantum technology research into applications, including numerous collaborative projects with industry.

The Quantum Sensing Group, in the School of Physics and Astronomy, is dedicated to research for fundamental sciences and practical applications. The group is home to a range of activities including five operating atom interferometers, precision spectroscopy and underpinning technologies. The group promotes an open and inclusive culture, fostering a friendly, supportive and collaborative working environment. The group brings together people with skillsets from across areas such as physics, applied physics and engineering, with group members from eight different countries, speaking over twelve different languages.

Perks of this role include:

• Opportunity to undertake high quality research in a highly visible area with connection to impact
• Working closely with people with practical experience of developing and commercialising intellectual property
• Opportunity to develop leadership skills and capacity, and to develop personal networks with industry and other stakeholders
• Training and development as part of the Prosperity Partnership, including opportunities for industry-relevant skills such as relating to systems engineering, entrepreneurship and intellectual property
• Allocation of time to dedicate to personal career development, such as training and development of independent research ideas
• Standard benefits of working at the University (e.g. pension scheme)

Applicants are expected to demonstrate academic citizenship, develop and maintain mutually respectful and supportive working relationships with staff and students, and ensure their role impacts positively on others.

Main Duties

• Perform research into atom interferometry, with a focus on use in complex systems and enabling robustness on moving platforms
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• A PhD (or near to completion), or equivalent, in a relevant area of physics, engineering or a related discipline
• Relevant research experience in quantum technologies, such as atom interferometry or similar systems; applicants with relevant experience in a related discipline will also be considered
• Excellent communication skills in English, with ability to communicate effectively with staff and students in formal and informal settings
• High level analytical capability
• Experience of working in collaborative projects or teams
• Knowledgeable in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Skills in successfully leading, managing, supporting or mentoring others
• Ability to contribute to research planning, management and administration processes
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge, or willingness to learn, of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated fairly and equally

Applicants should make sure to attach the following to their application:

• A full academic CV, including publication list;
• A statement of previous research experience and how this aligns with the role (max 1 page).

Informal enquiries to Professor Michael Holynski, email: M.holynski@bham.ac.uk and Louise Randall, email: l.e.randall.1@bham.ac.uk.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.