Marie Curie Research Fellow (PhD position)
University of Nottingham, School of Physics and Astronomy
Salary: From £36,929 per annum
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….............
Applications are invited for the above post to work with 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): Future Atomic Clock Technology (FACT).
The overall aim of the FACT network is to establish a transnational platform for the career development of young researchers in the rapidly developing area of optical clocks and frequency standards. A range of robust technologies will be addressed, with an emphasis on mobility, compactness, robustness, modular nature, miniaturised and integrated, and space compatible systems. The selected candidate will be able to develop multidisciplinary knowledge ranging from fundamental science to industrial application. He/she will take part in a network-wide training program and is expected to collaborate with network partners through short- term placements at industrial/academic partner institutions within the EU.
The role is to conduct experimental laboratory research in atomic physics and quantum optics. As part of a research team, the successful candidate will plan and perform experiments on ultra-cold atomic ensembles. He/she will undertake a project aimed at designing, constructing and testing a compact cold atom source for portable optical atomic clocks. The source will have to fulfil requirements of constrained size, low power consumption, efficiency and robustness. It will be based on state-of-the-art atom chip technology and custom-designed support structures. Novel transparent materials such as GaN and ITO (as used e.g. in mobile phone touch screens) will be tested with a view to higher performance of mobile clocks for space and commercial use. In addition, the role will include the preparation of scientific publications, assistance in student supervision and general tasks in the research group. Close links will be maintained to experimentalists working on similar cold atom setups as well as cold atom theorists within the Midlands Ultracold Atom Research Centre.

Successful candidates will possess an excellent degree in Physics (qualifying for doctoral studies), preferably specialising in experimental (cold) atomic physics, quantum optics or related areas. Applicants will be required to meet the Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher eligibility criteria. In particular at the time of appointment candidates must not have obtained a PhD and have less than four years full-time equivalent research experience. Additionally, they should not have resided in the host country for more than 12 months in the last 3 years immediately before the appointment. Researchers are normally required to undertake trans-national mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up the appointment.

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

Application deadline: 29th August 2014

How to apply: Please visit http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/jobs/currentvacancies/ref/SCI1375.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Peter Kruger, email: Peter.Kruger@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.