QUROPE Quantum Information Processing and Communication in Europe

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Southampton has a one-year Research Fellowship focused on combining matter-wave interferometry of molecular beams with magnetic resonance techniques. The group of Dr. Hendrik Ulbricht are operating a state-of-the-art Talbot-Laue interferometer that allows the observation of matter-wave diffraction patterns of large molecules such as C60. The aim of this project is to introduce electron and nuclear spins into experiments of this type as a variable, in order to study the influence of spin transitions on the molecular diffraction patterns. The project will be carried out in collaboration with world-leading experts on magnetic resonance (Prof. Malcolm Levitt, Dr. Marcel Utz) in the School of Chemistry. It will involve modification of existing experimental apparatus, as well as design and construction of new elements.

You should hold a PhD degree in physics or chemistry. You should be a keen experimentalist, with a dedication to set up and work on complex and sophisticated experiments. A background in molecular beam or cold atom (eg the manipulation of Rb atoms) experiments, as well as expertise in ultra-high vacuum technology will be essential.

A basic understanding of ESR/NMR or related optical spectroscopic techniques will be helpful. You should have a solid theoretical background, especially in standard quantum mechanics and you should be able to perform simulations using packages such as Comsol, Matlab or Python and Mathematica. Candidates should be creative, highly motivated, and capable of writing scientific papers as well as be interested to work in an interdisciplinary and very collaborative environment. The application of interested candidates should include a letter of motivation, a detailed CV and the contact addresses for three references.

The closing date for applications is 28 March 2013. Please apply online via www.jobs.soton.ac.uk quoting reference 210113WF on all correspondence.