The Light-Matter Interactions for Quantum Technologies Unit (https://www.oist.jp/research/research-units/light), headed by Prof. Sile Nic Chormaic and located at OIST Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan, invites applications for a postdoc or staff scientist to work on our experiments on holographic tweezers for cold Rydberg atoms integrated with optical nanofibres. The position is for a start in the second half of 2025. For those with significant experience post PhD (>5 years), the appointment may be at staff scientist level (fixed duration). Essential qualifications are a PhD in experimental cold atom physics, with a good publication record, and fluency in written/spoken English. Desirable qualifications include experience in Rydberg atom physics, holographic tweezers or optical nanofibres/waveguides. The successful candidate must have the ability to think independently, conduct novel research, and work within a team.

If interested, you must be an experimentalist and know how to work with laser cooled atoms, evidenced by publications. Prior experience on the integration of nano-optics in cold atom systems is advantageous. Only those with cold atom experience will be considered.

OIST is a relatively new PhD-level university located on the beautiful sub-tropical island of Okinawa with excellent connections to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and mainland Japan. Our research unit is well-funded and we are a very international team. English is the language used for all official business at OIST. We are also a member of the OIST Center for Quantum Technologies. https://www.oist.jp/ocqt

Commencement date and conditions: second half of 2024. The position is for 2 or 3 years initially (depending on experience) with further extension possible upon satisfactory progress. We offer a family relocation & benefits package, including health insurance. We offer on-site subsidised housing, on-site child care for up to 6 years old, language classes, and an active club calendar.

Requirements

Submission documents (in English):

1. a 1-page cover letter where you introduce yourself, your past research achievements and your future career goals

2. a full CV including undergraduate and postgraduate details and transcripts

3. names and email addresses of at least 2 academic referees

Please send your application as PDF files to sile.nicchormaic@oist.jp. Only eligible candidates with experimental cold atom experience will be responded to.

Deadline: We will continue to advertise until a suitable candidate is found.

OIST is a young and growing university, located on a beautiful and peaceful subtropical island in the far south of Japan. English is the working language. We are an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer, committed to increasing the diversity of our faculty, students and staff.