Research Associate/Fellow in Quantum Simulation of many-body dynamics with Rydberg interactions

A three-year postdoc position is available from May 2022 at University of Nottingham. This post is supported by an EPSRC grant to study quantum simulation of many-body dynamics with Rydberg interactions.

The goal of the project is to theoretically explore the capabilities of a new quantum simulation platform based on trapped ions excited to Rydberg states. We are particularly interested in understanding topological and dynamical effects in the vicinity of artificial conical intersections, which are created by engineering the rovibrational-electronic coupling of ions embedded in an ion crystal.

Conical intersections (sometimes called exceptional points) are usually encountered in electronically excited states of molecules and in condensed matter systems. Trapped Rydberg ions provide a new way for probing their physics on exaggerated length and time scales. In the project we will design experimentally feasible protocols to create, control and probe conical intersections with trapped Rydberg ions by collaborating closely with experimental groups, e.g., our collaboration partner Prof. M. Hennrich from Stockholm University, Sweden. The research is funded by EPSRC.

The researcher will be an integral part of an interdisciplinary and international team of researchers covering a broad range of topics including statistical physics, condensed-matter theory, computational physics, atomic and molecular physics, and quantum optics. We seek a motivated, skilled and highly independent researcher to complement our team.

The successful candidate must have or be nearing completion of a PhD in physics. The main responsibility of this post will be to carry out independent research on the development and examination of many-body models, and to apply and/or develop analytical and numerical methods for exploring spin-phonon coupled dynamics and stationary states. The researcher is moreover expected to actively contribute to the research activities of the Condensed Matter Theory group, and the Centre for the Mathematics and Theoretical Physics of Quantum Non-Equilibrium Systems at the School of Physics and Astronomy.

The post is available from 02 May 2022 and will be offered on a fixed term contract until 01 May 2025. The post is full time, but job share arrangements may be considered. Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr. Weibin Li (Email: Weibin.Li@nottingham.ac.uk), or Professor Igor Lesanovsky (Email: Igor.Lesanovsky@Nottingham.ac.uk). Candidates should apply online at https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/jobs/currentvacancies/ref/SCI041722.