Vacancy reference: PHYS19-57

Department: Physics

Responsible to: Head of Department

Grade: 8

Salary range: £41,526 - £49,553 per annum

Working arrangements: The role is full time but we will consider requests for flexible working arrangements including potential job shares

Opening date: 04/11/2019

Closing date: 17/01/2020

Preferred start date: Successful candidates will ideally be in post by October 2020

The role

The Department of Physics at Durham University seeks to appoint a talented scientist to the role of Assistant Professor in Quantum Light & Matter. The successful candidate will join the Quantum Light & Matter Group (QLM) and will have research experience that complements and strengthens the existing areas of research within the QLM with a research focus on the experimental study of quantum systems. They will be expected to develop their own research program, to publish world-class research with a focus on quality in high impact journals and have the potential to engage with industrial partners. They will also be expected to collaborate in the development and delivery of high-quality research-led teaching in an inclusive and supportive learning environment which enables undergraduate and postgraduate students to achieve their potential.

The starting date is anticipated to be around October 2020. The successful applicant will initially be provided with approx. 50 m^2 of laboratory space refurbished to a standard suitable for state-of-the-art experiments in modern atomic, molecular and optical physics, together with two PhD students. Teaching duties will be assigned by the Head of Department with a reduced teaching load in the first two years of appointment.

Durham University hosts a large and coherent research group focusing on the quantum properties of atoms, molecules and solids and their interaction with light, exploring new ways in which to exploit quantum light and matter for the study of fundamental science and the application to emerging technologies. The group is home to numerous state-of-the art experiments covering cold and ultracold matter, precision spectroscopy and quantum photonics. We also have a strong theoretical activity on quantum optics, quantum information and quantum fluids. Currently we have 10 permanent members of staff, 18 research fellows, and around 20 postgraduate students. The group is the leader of the Joint Quantum Centre, linking with researchers from the Durham University Chemistry and Newcastle University Applied Maths departments. Further information may be found online.

Candidates should have a PhD in Physics or a related subject and an established record of research at the highest international level. They should have also demonstrated potential for teaching and postgraduate student supervision and a clear commitment to developing an inclusive and welcoming working environment.

The Department of Physics is committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment. It is pledged to the Athena SWAN charter, where we hold a silver award, and has the status of IoP Juno Champion. We embrace equality and particularly welcome applications from women, black and minority ethnic candidates, and members of other groups that are under-represented in physics. Durham University provides a range of benefits including pension, flexible and/or part time working hours, shared parental leave policy and childcare provision.