Project: Quantum optics with atoms loaded into hollow-core fibres
Salary from £36,929 per annum in accordance with the EC Marie Curie financial guidelines for this scheme
Applications are invited for the above post to work with Dr Thomas Fernholz in the framework of a European funded project at the University of Nottingham. The successful candidates will register for a 3 year PhD at the School of Physics and Astronomy within the Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN): Quantum Sensor Technologies and Applications – QTea. http://www.itnqtea.eu.

The overall aim of the QTea network is to establish a transnational platform for the career development of young researchers on quantum technologies, ranging from modern time and frequency standards to terrestrial and airborne gravimetry. The selected candidates will be able to develop multidisciplinary knowledge ranging from fundamental science to industrial application. They will take part in a network-wide training program and will collaborate with network partners through short-term placements at European industrial/academic partner institutions.

The role is to conduct experimental laboratory research in atomic physics and quantum optics. As part of a research team, the successful candidate will plan and perform quantum optical experiments with ultra-cold atoms. Atoms can be used to store the quantum state of light and retrieve it later with an arbitrary delay, limited by the atomic coherence time. Such a quantum memory will allow for generation of entanglement at long distances and is an essential building block of future quantum communication networks. In this project, strong coupling between light and ultra-cold atoms will be achieved by loading atoms into the hollow-core of a photonic crystal fibre.

Successful candidates will possess an excellent Degree in Physics (qualifying for doctoral studies), preferably specialising in experimental (cold) atomic physics, quantum optics or related areas. Applicants will be required to meet the Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher eligibility criteria (ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/fp7/docs/wp/people/m-wp-201201_en.pdf, page 8). In particular at the time of appointment candidates must not have obtained a PhD and have less than four years full-time equivalent research experience. Additionally, they should not have resided in the host country for more than 12 months in the last 3 years immediately before the appointment. Researchers are normally required to undertake trans-national mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up the appointment.

This full-time post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of 36 months.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Thomas Fernholz email: thomas.fernholz@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.
To apply, please visit http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/jobs/currentvacancies/ref/SCI1296.