Research Associate in the Theory of Bio-inspired Collective Light Matter Interactions

Full Job Description

Directorate: School of Engineering & Physical Sciences
Grade: Grade 7 (£36,023-£44,263)
Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (36 Months)

Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). Use our total rewards calculator: to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University
 

Detailed Description 

Super- and subradiance are quintessential quantum effects of relevance across natural photosynthesis and quantum technologies. In this project we will create the first fully coherent, scalable, and controllable artificial platform for exploring, analysing and tailoring such effects in the condensed matter. 

Working alongside two PhD students and an experimentally focused PDRA, this theoretical post aims to develop and explore experimentally accessible signatures of collective light-matter coupling effects for small ensembles of condensed-matter emitters, both via analytical approaches as well as numerical code. 

The project is a joint experimental-theory collaboration between the Quantum Theory Team led by Prof Erik Gauger and the Quantum Photonics Lab led by Prof Gerardot. The theory work will take place in a dynamic theoretical group whose research interests and expertise span bio-inspired light-harvesting, quantum-enhanced sensing and imaging, (optimal) quantum control, modelling open quantum systems, and adopting approaches from machine learning, information geometry, tensor networks, and high-performance computing. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Conduct individual and collaborative research projects, making use of relevant research techniques and methods. Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences, and/or other appropriate media.  Continue to update personal knowledge and to develop skills within own specialist research area. Maintain written records of research results and progress generated intellectual property and data analysis. Contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
• Write research reports and publications. Analyse and interpret the results of own research and generate original ideas bases on outcomes. Prepare proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g. for funding purposes. Use initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• Assist in the supervision of the PhD students working on this project, and provide guidance as required to research students and any other students who may be assisting with the research.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria

• Applicants should hold a PhD in theoretical physics, physical chemistry, or a closely related subject (or be expecting to have their PhD thesis submitted by the start date of the project).
• A record of high-quality publications, and evidence of contribution to the writing of these publications proportionate to opportunity. 
• Must have proven academic ability and a demonstrable high level of technical competence in the analysis and modelling of scientific results. 
• Experience of programming and producing or adapting numerical codes.
• Good communication skills and the ability to articulate research work, both in technical reports / papers and by oral presentation. 
• Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative.
• Evidence of research ability: problem solving, flexibility.
• Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt and more widely with the collaborators at other Universities.
• Experience in writing and managing peer-reviewed papers.
• Experience in public presentations of scientific results (e.g. conference talks).
• Experience of working in a multi-cultural Higher Education or similar environment.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience with one or more of the following: modelling and analysis of complex quantum dynamics, open quantum systems approaches, light-matter interaction, providing theoretical guidance and protocols to support quantum experiments.
• Experience of producing clearly structured, extensible and accessible programming code for numerical simulations and data analysis.
• Evidence of ability to present work effectively in person, e.g. at conferences and seminars.
• Experience in leading the writing of scientific papers.
• Experience of collaborating with experimental groups by designing and proposing experiments that can test and validate theoretical results.
• Evidence of ability, subject to opportunity, to guide other researchers, e.g. PhD students and undergraduate project students.
• Experience of research-student supervision.
• Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively.
• Energy and enthusiasm for the project.

About our Team 

The post holder will join the Quantum Theory Team led by Prof Erik Gauger with a focus on quantum information, -metrology and -energy. The appointee will be embedded in the vibrant and diverse environment offered by the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences with ample opportunity to interact and collaborate with related theoretical and experimental groups.

Related and Relevant Literature

[1] Coherence in cooperative photon emission from indistinguishable quantum emitters, Koong et al, Science Advances 8, eabm8171 (2022)

[2] Superabsorption in an organic microcavity: Toward a quantum battery, Quach et al, Science Advances 8, eabk3160 (2022)

[3] Strong coupling, weak impact: Phonon coupling versus pure dephasing in the photon statistics of cooperative emitters, Wiercinski, Gauger & Cygorek, Physical Review Research 5 (1), 013176 (2023)

[4] Light Harvesting with Guide-Slide Superabsorbing Condensed-Matter Nanostructures, Brown & Gauger,  Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters 10, 4323 (2019)

[5] Light-harvesting enhanced by quantum ratchet states, Werren, Brown & Gauger, PRX Energy 2 (1), 013002 (2023)

Additional Information

Please see our group website for more information about the research environment and related ongoing research activities:  .

About Heriot-Watt

Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business and industry.

Nearly 30,000 students study with Heriot-Watt across business, engineering, design and the social, physical, biological and sports sciences. Our student body is roughly split evenly between the UK, our two campuses in Dubai and Malaysia, and online, with the latter being distributed across almost all the countries of the world. We also have many partnerships with other institutions world-wide who award Heriot-Watt degrees.

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV 

Applications can be submitted until midnight on the 14th December 2023.

Shortlisting to be complete by 20th of December 2023, interviews to take place from early January 2024.

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities.  Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website   and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers   .

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.

Use our total rewards calculator:   to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.