04 Postdoctoral Fellowship at Durham University, England

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available to pursue experimental research in the field of atomic and laser physics within the Durham Quantum Light and Matter group. The position is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is focussed on using the clock states in Yb to form ultracold CsYb molecules in optical lattices. The project is a collaboration with researchers in Paris and Warsaw. The post holder will work directly with Prof. Simon Cornish (Physics) and Prof. Jeremy Hutson (Chemistry), and their research teams in the Quantum Light and Matter group.

The overarching goal of the research is to synthesise and study artificial quantum materials using ultracold CsYb molecules arranged in regular arrays to probe novel quantum phenomena in strongly interacting quantum systems. The use of molecules is motivated by their rich internal structure, combined with the existence of controllable long-range dipole-dipole interactions, long trap lifetimes and strong coupling to electric and microwave fields. The project will explore the novel approach of using Feshbach resonances between Yb atoms in the metastable clock states and Cs atoms in the ground state to form ultracold molecules.

 The post holder is therefore expected to have experience and familiarity with the techniques used in the study of ultracold gases, including the operation of magneto-optical traps, the production of quantum degenerate gases and optical trapping using optical tweezers/lattices. They will be expected to display initiative and creativity, along with the appropriate skills and knowledge, to achieve the research goals. The post holder is also expected to work effectively both independently and as part of a small research team. It is expected that the post holder will enhance the international contacts of the group through the presentation of work at international conferences and exchange visits to collaborators connected with the project. The post holder will also be expected to aid in the supervision of graduate students within the group as well as contributing to the undergraduate teaching within the Department.

The Department of Biosciences is composed of 68 academic staff and research fellows; around 50 research and technical support staff; over 90 Research Postgraduate students and over 500 Single Honours undergraduate students. We offer a 3-year BSc degree programme in Biological Sciences and a 4-year MBiol, while also contributing to Natural Sciences. We also run a PGT in Plant Biotechnology with further PGT programmes scheduled for future delivery. Our research and teaching is supported by outstanding research infrastructure in advanced bioimaging (including super-resolution, confocal and electron microscopy), genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, high-performance computing and field research. We promote research at the interface with other disciplines.

The Dept. of Biosciences is currently ranked in the top 5 UK Biology Departments in University league tables (4th in the Guardian University Guide, 5th in The Complete University Guide) and has a 100% internationally recognised research environment (REF2021). Our basic science underpins applications across each-and-every sector of the bio-economy, including Biotechnology, Ecology and Agritechnology. Research programmes are grouped in the following areas: Molecular Plant Sciences; Biomolecular Interactions; Ecology, Evolution and Environment; and Animal Cells and Systems. These groups organise focused seminar series, Research Away Days, manage joint research facilities, oversee mentoring, internal peer review and serve to nucleate larger research projects. Along with our excellent research facilities such as bioimaging, proteomics, metabolomics and genomics we offer a high quality and supportive environment for our research staff.

The Dept. of Biosciences partners with other areas of research strength in Durham University including Computational Sciences and Chemistry, and encourages multidisciplinary research for Health and Wellbeing. 

Durham’s Department of Theology and Religion is one of the very best UK departments in this field, with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students. It is held in high esteem across the globe, as reflected in the QS World Reputation rankings, which placed Durham’s department as 6th worldwide based on its most recent survey in 2023. In January 2024, in recognition of its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion the department was awarded the Athena Swan Silver Award by Advance HE.

The Department of Theology and Religion currently comprises 33 academic teaching staff, 15 research staff and 10 professional support staff. We currently have a large cohort of undergraduate students (around 75 per year group) studying on 3 programmes, including the BA in Religion, Society and Culture, and over 200 postgraduate students, studying on MA, PhD and DThM (professional doctorate in theology and ministry) programmes. 

We are seeking to appoint a Postgraduate Research Assistant (PDRA) to support a UK Sport funded research project that seeks to examine the relationship between funding and medal targets, and athlete experience. The post holder will assist in a project that explores questions related to the nature of the demands placed on elite athletes to meet metrics of success in Olympic and Paralympic cycles.

The post-holder is employed to work on a research project which will be led by Prof. Martin Roderick. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in their own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas and interpretation of the project.

The successful candidate will work with Prof Martin Roderick as the project lead. The post is flexible – 5 days per week – and the post holder does not need to be based in either Durham or the Northeast of England. The successful candidate will on occasion need to travel to training sites to conduct athlete interviews and focus groups.