UK: Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher/PhD Student in Physics

Deadline: As soon as possible

Marie Curie ITN Project: Quantum Sensor Technologies and Applications (QTea)

University of Nottingham -School of Physics and Astronomy

Minimum £36,929 per annum, depending on family status and pension arrangements according to Marie Curie rules

Applications are invited for the above post to work with Dr Thomas Fernholz and Prof Peter Krüger in the framework of a European funded project at the University of Nottingham. The successful candidates will register for a 3 year PhD at the School of Physics and Astronomy within the Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN): Quantum Sensor Technologies and Applications – QTea. http://www.itnqtea.eu

Two research projects are based on the physics of ultra-cold atoms, trapped under ultra-high vacuum conditions in tightly confining magnetic fields. Atoms hover above so-called atom chips, which are used to produce trapping fields by running currents through litho­graphically patterned conductors. This technique has proven to be useful for a variety of applications.

Interfacing ultra-cold atoms with solid-state materials.

This project will focus on using atoms as surface probes. The fragility of Bose-Einstein condensates, i.e. collections of atoms at the lowest possible energy allowed by quantum mechanics, can be used to map out electrical and magnetic properties of materials with high sensitivity and spatial resolution. In collaboration with IBM, we will further develop this novel magnetic microscopy technique to measure field patterns on the nanoscale. For further information on this project contact Peter.Kruger@nottingham.ac.uk .

Candidates should possess and excellent masters or diploma in experimental quantum physics or photonics. In addition ESR fellows must, at the time of recruitment by the host organization, be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. They are required to undertake trans-national mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up their appointment. At the time of recruitment by the host organization, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc) in the country of their host organization for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date.

This full-time post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of 36 months.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Thomas Fernholz on Thomas.Fernholz@nottingham.ac.uk and Prof Peter Krüger Peter.kruger@nottingham.ac.uk . Please note that applications sent direct to these email addresses will not be accepted.

For more details and/or to apply on-line please access:http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/Jobs/CurrentVacancies/ref/SCI1235. If you are unable to apply on-line please contact the Human Resources Department, tel: 0115 951 5206. 

Please quote ref. SCI/1235.