Research Fellow in Polaritonics

Recently, we proposed polariton lattices as a new platform for analogue simulation. Polariton lattices benefit by the continuous optical readout of the phase, energy, momentum and spin of the individual polariton vertices, the strong inter-particle interactions −mediated through the exciton component−, room temperature operation −with appropriate choice of materials−, and even the potential for electrical injection utilizing well-developed semiconductor technologies.

In this project, we will investigate experimentally the quantum speed-up of polariton simulators in realising the ground state of the XY Hamiltonian. Whereas for a classical simulator the time it takes to find the global minimum of the cost function of the problem increases exponentially with the number of degrees of freedom of the system, in a quantum simulator there is a polynomial increase of the time. Unravelling the mechanism of quantum speed-up is at the core of the fundamental physics underpinning polariton simulators.

To be successful you will have knowledge of and keen interest in fundamental physics, optics, quantum, laser and semiconductor physics, and expertise in experimental photonics, and advanced spectroscopies. In addition, you will have a PhD or equivalent professional qualification and experience in Physics or relevant engineering discipline.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

You will join a strong international team of students, postdoctoral and academic staff working together on many aspects of cutting-edge research in polaritonics and quantum simulation. This project involves close collaboration and therefore international travel at IBM Zurich, and MIT-Skoltech.

This post is offered on a full-time, fixed-term basis for 12 months.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is central to the ethos in Physics and Astronomy. We particularly encourage women, Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME), LGBT and disabled applicants to apply for this position. We are strongly committed to diversity in both the academic and student population, and in recognition we were awarded an Athena SWAN Silver award in 2018 and the Institute of Physics Project Juno Champion status in 2019. Physics and Astronomy gives full consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly, including part-time, and due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. For further information please visit .

The University of Southampton is in the top 1% of world universities and in the top 10 of the UK's research-intensive universities. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university and has recently been awarded the Platinum EcoAward. Our vision is to embed the principles of sustainability into all aspects of our individual and collective work, integrating sustainable development into our business planning, policy-making, and professional activities.

Interested candidates should contact Prof Pavlos Lagoudakis ( lagous@soton.ac.uk ) for further information of the role.

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.