Up to three Postdoctoral Research Associate positions are available at Durham University within the Durham Quantum Light and Matter group, focusing on experimental research in atomic, molecular, and optical physics. These roles are part of a new five-year Programme Grant titled "Quantum Many-Body Physics with Ultracold Polar Molecules," funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The research builds on the group's expertise in creating ultracold RbCs molecules in the rovibrational ground state and trapping them in rotationally magic traps. The successful candidates will work directly with Professor Simon Cornish and other group members. The main research goal is to synthesize and study artificial quantum materials using ultracold molecules arranged in regular arrays, probing novel quantum phenomena in strongly interacting quantum systems. The project leverages the rich internal structure of molecules, controllable long-range dipole-dipole interactions, long trap lifetimes, and strong coupling to electric and microwave fields. Key research objectives include encoding synthetic dimensions in molecules confined in rotationally magic traps, creating many-body quantum states of molecules in optical lattices for quantum simulation, and producing strongly dipolar Bose-Einstein condensates of molecules. Applicants should have experience with ultracold gas techniques, such as operating magneto-optical traps, producing quantum degenerate gases, and working with optical trapping and lattices. The positions require the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a small research team. Post holders are expected to enhance the group's international contacts through conference presentations and exchange visits, assist in supervising postgraduate students, and contribute to undergraduate teaching. Each post is initially for 24 months, with possible extension up to 60 months. The positions are fully funded by UKRI, and successful applicants are ideally expected to start by January 2026. Applications should be submitted via the Times Higher Education job listing before the deadline of October 6, 2025.

The University of Durham's Department of Physics is offering up to three Postdoctoral Research Associate positions in the Quantum Light and Matter group. These roles are part of a new five-year Programme Grant on 'Quantum Many-Body Physics with Ultracold Polar Molecules,' funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The research builds on the group’s expertise in creating ultracold RbCs molecules in the rovibrational ground state and trapping them in rotationally magic traps. The successful candidates will work directly with Professor Simon Cornish and other group members, focusing on experimental research in atomic, molecular, and optical physics. The main research objectives include synthesizing and studying artificial quantum materials using ultracold molecules arranged in regular arrays to probe novel quantum phenomena in strongly interacting quantum systems. Key research directions are encoding synthetic dimensions in molecules confined in rotationally magic traps, creating many-body quantum states of molecules in optical lattices for quantum simulation, and producing strongly dipolar Bose-Einstein condensates of molecules. Candidates should have experience with techniques used in the study of ultracold gases, such as magneto-optical traps, quantum degenerate gases, optical trapping, and optical lattices. The post holders are expected to work both independently and collaboratively, present work at international conferences, participate in exchange visits, and contribute to postgraduate supervision and undergraduate teaching. The position offers a competitive salary (£38,249 - £46,049 per annum, Grade 7), a fixed-term contract of 24 months (with possible extension up to 60 months), and a comprehensive benefits package including pension, annual leave, professional development opportunities, and support for health and wellbeing. The department is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from under-represented groups. Applicants must have a good first degree in physics and a PhD (or be close to submission) in atomic physics or a closely related area, with essential experience in high-quality academic research, publication, presentation, and experimental study of ultracold atomic or molecular gases. Skills in electronics, FPGA development, laser systems, image analysis, data acquisition, and optical design are required. Desirable qualifications include experience in developing research proposals, supervising students, modeling experiments with Python, Matlab, or Mathematica, and research in ultracold molecules. Applications should be submitted online, including a CV, covering letter, and referee details. Informal enquiries can be directed to Prof. Simon Cornish.