05 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.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the Department of Engineering, with a focus on digital twin modelling for marine engines and propulsion systems involving different decarbonisation technologies, as well as the development of AI-driven decision-making tools for optimising low-carbon marine powertrain designs. This position is part of the Horizon Europe project SEASTARS, which aims to transform maritime sustainability by integrating cutting-edge emission-reduction and efficiency technologies into four retrofit and four new-build vessels operating across inland, short-sea, and high-seas shipping routes.

The project seeks to deliver industry-relevant tools that enable optimal design and operation of greener vessels, backed by real-world demonstrations. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of multi-disciplinary modelling, advanced AI algorithms, and decision-support tool development. Responsibilities will include programming, analysing and interpreting data, and contributing to innovative solutions that support maritime decarbonisation. Additional duties involve supporting research funding proposals, engaging in licensing or spin-out activities, and enhancing the public and commercial impact of the research.

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.

The Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University, in partnership with the Society of the Sacred Heart, invites applications for a 36-month Fellowship in Catholic Social Thought and Practice.

The successful applicant will be expected to work on a research topic of their own choosing in the area of Catholic Social Thought and Practice (CSTP) as agreed with the Director of the Centre for Catholic Studies and Professor Anna Rowlands.  Proposals could include exploring fundamental philosophical/theological/anthropological questions pertaining to the development of CST, or exploring CST in relation to specific topics, such as work/employment, human migration, incarceration and the criminal justice system, democracy/populism, Artificial Intelligence, integral ecology, war/peace, or the structural response to poverty. (This is an indicative not an exhaustive list of possible topics.)

The post is designed for further development of an early career scholar in both traditional academic patterns (research, publication and where appropriate for the successful candidate’s career development, the possibility for some teaching), and also in working in a more outward facing mode offering theological accompaniment to a relevant organisation, association or movement that has direct practitioner interests in the area of CSTP.

The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with Professor Anna Rowlands, the St Hilda Professor in Catholic Social Thought and Practice, and will have a link to the Centre for Catholic Social Thought and Practice ( www.ccstp.org.uk ).

The post holder will be fully involved in the life and work of Durham University’s Centre for Catholic Studies (CCS) through such means as: regular participation in and contribution to the Durham Catholic Theology Research Seminar, and other such lectures, conferences, and public events organised by the CCS; participation in CCS Research Conversations, and the annual Friends’ and Benefactors’ event.