Research Fellow in Ion Cooling and Trapping - Physics and Astronomy

Position Details

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Physics and Astronomy

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,406 to £40,927, with potential progression once in post to £43,434

Grade 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to 31st July, 2024

Closing date: 10th June, 2022

Background

We are realising a clock based on highly charged ions of Californium to look for variations of the fine structure constant α. Essentially every model of physics beyond the Standard Model (or new physics models) predicts or allows variations of fundamental constants. In many models of quantum gravity, such as string theory, discrete quantum gravity or loop quantum gravity fundamental constants can vary either in space or time. A plethora of cosmological models also lead to a cosmological time-evolution of fundamental constants. In other models such as models of ultra-light dark matter, fundamental constants can instead have an effective space-time dependence.

It has recently been realised that the unrivalled precision of atomic clocks can be used to measure variations of fundamental constants. This is because the scale of all atomic spectra depends on two of such fundamental constants: the fine structure constant α and the electron-to-proton mass ratio µ. Atomic clocks have provided some of the tightest constraints on present-day time-variations of α and µ. However, so far, no variations of fundamental constants have been detected.

Two ionisation states of Cf, namely Cf15+ and Cf17+, are predicted to have clock transitions in the visible range with extremely high sensitivity to variations of α. With such an enhanced detection sensitivity we will either discover that α is not a constant, therefore we will revolutionise physics, or set new world-leading constraints on a wide range of models that predict or allow variations of α.

Role Summary

We are seeking individuals who have experience and a genuine interest in experimental ion cooling and trapping. The successful candidate will join the Quantum System group at the University of Birmingham and lead the lab activities towards the realization and characterization of a Californium highly charged ion clock. The successful candidate will be in charge of building some parts of the machine, these include a cryogenic vacuum system, a cryogenic Paul trap and the laser system to laser cool Ca+ ions. The Ca+ are needed to sympathetically cool the HCIs. Experience with trapping and cooling of Ca+ ions is desired.

The successful candidate is expected to realise crystals of Ca+ ions and demonstrate cooling and trapping of Californium highly charged ions. The project benefits from the collaboration of the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics in Heidelberg and the QSNET consortium that includes the Imperial College London, the University of Sussex, the National Physical Laboratories and several national and international partners. The successful candidate is also expected to play an active role in the interaction with the other institutes.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Lead the daily lab activities related to the project, including the collection, analysis and interpretation of data
• Actively contribute to the interaction with partners
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters *
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research *
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines*

* These indicative responsibilities may also be included in a research role at grade 6.

Person Specification

• Must hold or be close to completion of a PhD in Physics
• An excellent track record in ion cooling and trapping
• Excellent experimental skills, including optics, lasers, electronics, programming etc
• Demonstrated ability to manage a self-contained project, and to work effectively as part of a team in an academic environment
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly

Informal enquires to Giovanni Barontini, email: g.barontini@bham.ac.uk

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.