A postdoctoral position is available immediately for up to three years for experimental research in quantum control of spin states in condensed matter. These experiments will involve electron and nuclear magnetic resonance and related quantum control, including pulsed magnetic resonance spectroscopy, possibly with optical excitation and/or electrical detection. The experiments will be under the direct supervision of Dr John Morton in the Quantum Spin Dynamics Group (http://qsd.materials.ox.ac.uk/), a team of researchers based jointly in Oxford’s Materials and Physics Departments with an outstanding track record in high-impact research. This post is part of a larger highly multidisciplinary project led by Professor Andrew Briggs, entitled Quantum Nanoscience: Fundamental Physics, Emerging Structures, and Implications for Our Ultimate Reality.

Applicants for this post must have relevant expertise in experimental quantum control methods such as magnetic resonance, while experience in the preparation and characterisation of quantum nanomaterials or devices is also helpful. Examples of relevant areas of expertise include solid state NMR, dynamic nuclear polarization, and stripline or coplanar microwave resonators. By the starting date applicants must have completed a doctorate (or at least have submitted their thesis) in a relevant physical science. We shall be looking for an outstanding track record of research and publications, commensurate with the stage in career, and for evidence of a willingness and ability to engage with others in deeper theoretical and philosophical questions.

This international project, with funding from John Templeton Foundation and the National University of Singapore, includes researchers in experimental quantum nanoscience, theory of quantum control, fundamentals of quantum information, and philosophy of physics, and thus offers an excellent opportunity to enhance the interfaces between these wide-ranging discplines, and to exploit progress towards emerging quantum technologies to pursue the guiding big questions for the project as a whole.

Further particulars, including instructions which must be read before applying for this post, are available from the web-site: http://www.materials.ox.ac.uk or from Mrs K Fewings, Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PH (email: posts@materials.ox.ac.uk), or telephone 01865 273680 (post reference DJ11/04). Only applications with a covering letter describing how candidates fulfil the selection criteria will be accepted. The closing date for applications is 25 February 2011 with interviews currently planned for the week beginning 14 March 2011.

Grade 7 / Salary in the range: £28,983 to £30,747 pa / Job Ref No: DJ11/04

See also http://www.ox.ac.uk/jobs