The University of Manchester
Research Associate (Quantum Technologies for Physics)

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Postdoctoral Researcher
We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Postdoctoral Researcher. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on experimental development of quantum technologies for applied and fundamental physics within a dynamic and inclusive environment.
Responsibilities
You will be responsible for:
- Hands-on research work
- Independent leadership of scientific projects
- Supervision of PhD students and junior group members
- Working in interdisciplinary subject areas as part of a focused and dynamic team
We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.
About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate experience and interest relevant to one or several of the following research areas:
- Cold atomic hydrogen and tritium beams, and studies of the properties of these isotopes. The group co-leads development of cold atomic tritium sources for the Project 8 neutrino mass experiment, with pathfinder systems based on lithium cooling and spectroscopy followed by demonstrators with tritium under development. Applications to cryogenic and room temperature maser systems are also under exploration.
- Single molecule fluorescent imaging for tests of the Majorana nature of the neutrino. By detecting individual barium ions emerging in double beta decay, or selenium or sulfur in double electron capture, an unambiguous detection may be accomplished. This combines novel pressurized gas-phase microscopes, fluorescent organic supramolecular layers, and RF ion transport on microfabricated photonic devices.
- Chemical spin qubits via optically detected magnetic resonance of surface-immobilized phosphors. Single molecules on surfaces can store and process quantum information, and by engineering the molecules, substrates and readout protocols, long coherence times and novel quantum sensing behaviors can be realized.
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Essential Criteria
- Have, or be about to obtain, a relevant PhD (or equivalent)
- Specialist knowledge in the discipline. Past relevant laboratory experience is expected, though potentially from adjacent fields, for example: experimental atomic, molecular and optical physics; microscopy; radiofrequency ion transport; tritium handling and manipulation; experimental chemical quantum information science.
- Willingness to travel internationally for collaborative work, when required.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
Desirable Criteria
Our group strongly values a deep interest in interdisciplinary science and a creative approach to problem solving, and we especially welcome candidates who share these qualities.


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We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.
Our Benefits
- Generous employer contribution pension
- 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
- Ride to work and EV car scheme available
For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.
We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.
Enquiries About The Role, Shortlisting And Interviews
- Name: Ben Jones
- Email Address: Benjamin.jones-7@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.
Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.
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