Application closing date: 30/11/2020
Salary: £33,797 to £36,914 per annum
Job category/type: Research

A postdoctoral position is available immediately for up to 24 months from 1 January 2021, to undertake theoretical research in testing the limit of the quantum superposition principle in mesoscopic quantum systems. The post will be funded by the EPSRC project QuamNESS to M. Paternostro.

Applicants will hold (or be about to obtain) a PhD in one of the following fields: theoretical quantum optics, quantum thermodynamics, open quantum systems, condensed matter physics, quantum information processing, quantum technologies. They will have a strong research experience in one or more of such areas. The successful applicant will become a member of the Quantum Technology group at Queen’s University Belfast (QTeQ) [http://web.am.qub.ac.uk/wp/qo/], where they will work within the international team led by G. De Chiara, A. Ferraro, and M. Paternostro.

This is a fixed term contract for 24 months

The successful candidate must have:

• Normally have or be about to obtain a relevant PhD.
• At least 3 years relevant research experience in theoretical physics, including at the postgraduate level  

The scientific research within the School was highly rated in the 2014 REF peer-review exercise, with 70% of research being judged as internationally excellent or world-leading. Research activity in the School of Mathematics and Physics at Queen’s University Belfast is focused into seven Research Centres. All members of academic staff belong to one of these Research Centres, listed below.

Physics at Queen's was ranked 3rd out of 41 for research intensity in United Kingdom's most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise as published by the Times Higher Education. Mathematical Science was ranked in the top 20 out of the 92 Mathematics departments in the UK in the same REF exercise.

Queen’s University Belfast is a driver of innovation based on our talented, multinational workforce. Throughout the University, our academics are collaborating across disciplines to develop new discoveries and insights, working with outside agencies and institutions on projects of international significance. We are connected and networked with strategic partnerships across the world, helping us to expand our impact on wider society locally, nationally and globally. The University is committed to attracting, retaining and developing the best global talent within an environment that enables them to realise their full potential.

We are a leader in gender equality and diversity, and are one of the UK’s most successful universities in the Athena SWAN initiative which promotes gender equality and career progression. The School of Mathematics and Physics are delighted to announce the recent renewal of their Athena SWAN Silver Award until 2025. We are ranked 1^st in the UK for knowledge transfer partnerships, (Innovate UK) 9^th in the UK for University facilities (Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018) and 14^th in the UK for research quality (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019).

Based in Belfast, a modern capital city, our beautiful campus is surrounded by abundant acres of parkland and is renowned as one of the safest and affordable cities in the UK. The choice of local Schools from pre-nursery upwards are some of the best available, and lovers of the outdoors can enjoy any number of activities from rowing and kayaking to top class golf among many others. We are immensely proud of what our city and our University will offer you.

For full job details and criteria please see the Candidate Information link on our website by clicking ‘apply’. You must clearly demonstrate how you meet the criteria when you submit your application. For further information please contact Resourcing Team, Queen's University Belfast, BT7 1NN.  Telephone (028) 9097 3044 or email resourcing@qub.ac.uk.

The University is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all.

However, our employment monitoring data tells us that individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, people with a disability and those who identify as LGBT+ are currently under-represented at the University. As such, we particularly welcome applications from these individuals. Also protestants are currently under-represented in this category of work. As such, we particularly welcome applications from these individuals.

As you may be aware, Queen’s is recognised as one of the most diverse organisations in Northern Ireland. We are committed to ensuring our workplace is a safe, welcoming and inclusive place to work, which is why we subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena SWAN.

It is also why we have established award winning Staff Networks such as PRISM and iRise. These networks provide an opportunity for staff to meet in a friendly, informal way to support each other.  More details on all our networks can be found here.

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but, in particular circumstances, may be renewed or made permanent, subject to availability of funding.

Candidate Information
About the School 
Further Information for International Applicants
Note to EEA Applicants on Brexit