Job Description & Person
Specification
Last updated:
December 2014
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post title:
Research Fellow in Cold Atom Quantum Technologies
Academic Unit/Service:
Physics & Astronomy
Faculty:
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Career pathway:
Education, Research and Enterprise (ERE)
*ERE category:
Research pathway
Posts responsible to:
Project PI (Dr Tim Freegarde)
Posts responsible for:
None
Post base:
Non Office-based
Level:
4
Job purpose
The incumbent will play a leading role in the construction and development of an atom interferometric
rotation sensor as part of the EPSRC Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology. The project
involves the design, construction, experimental evaluation and development of the atom interferometer and
its component apparatus; theoretical analysis and simulation; and collaboration with other Hub members on
the sensor’s design and performance, its components and applications. The incumbent will work on all
aspects, from experimental lab work to theoretical studies; and be involved in project management and
research student supervision.
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
1.
Pursue experimental and theoretical research on the design, construction, development
evaluation and reporting of an atom interferometric rotation sensor as directed by the
project PI
80 %
2.
Assist the project PI with project management and research student supervision
10 %
3.
Any other duties as allocated by the line manager following consultation with the post
holder.
10 %
Internal and external relationships
Direct responsibility to holder of research award or academic supervisor.
May have additional reporting and liaison responsibilities to external funding bodies or sponsors.
Collaborators/colleagues in other work areas and institutions.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Criteria
Essential
Qualifications,
knowledge and
experience
PhD or equivalent qualification or
experience in quantum, atomic or
laser physics or a very closely
related subject
Desirable
Expertise in experimental atomic /
laser physics
How to be
assessed
Documentary
evidence of
qualifications
Curriculum
vitae
Oral interview
A good understanding of quantum
physics
Academic
references
Ability to lead significant parts of
the project
Curriculum
vitae
Able to organise own research
activities to deadline and quality
standards
Oral interview
Capacity for independent
experimental and theoretical work
Curriculum
vitae
Able to develop original
techniques/methods
Oral interview
Ability to lead a collaborative project
team
Curriculum
vitae
Work effectively in a team,
understanding the strengths and
weaknesses of others to help
teamwork development
Oral interview
Communicating
and influencing
Communicate new and complex
Good publication record
information effectively, both verbally
and in writing, engaging the interest
and enthusiasm of the target
audience
Curriculum
vitae
Other skills and
behaviours
Understanding of relevant Health &
Safety issues
Planning and
organising
Problem solving
and initiative
Management
and teamwork
Academic
references
Academic
references
Academic
references
Positive attitude to colleagues and
students
Special
requirements
Document1
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JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS
Is this an office-based post?
☐ Yes
If this post is an office-based job with routine office hazards (eg: use of VDU), no further
information needs to be supplied. Do not complete the section below.
☒ No
If this post is not office-based or has some hazards other than routine office (eg: more than use of
VDU) please complete the analysis below.
Hiring managers are asked to complete this section as accurately as possible to ensure the safety
of the post-holder.
## - HR will send a full PEHQ to all applicants for this position. Please note, if full health clearance is required
for a role, this will apply to all individuals, including existing members of staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Occasionally
Frequently
Constantly
(<30% of time)
(30-60% of time)
(> 60% of time)
Outside work
Extremes of temperature (eg: fridge/ furnace)
## Potential for exposure to body fluids
## Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
## Exposure to hazardous substances (eg: solvents, liquids, dust, fumes,
biohazards). Specify below:
Frequent hand washing
Ionising radiation
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/MACHINES USED
## Food handling
## Driving university vehicles(eg: car/van/LGV/PCV)
## Use of latex gloves (prohibited unless specific clinical necessity)
## Vibrating tools (eg: strimmers, hammer drill, lawnmowers)
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Load manual handling
Repetitive crouching/kneeling/stooping
Repetitive pulling/pushing
Repetitive lifting
Standing for prolonged periods
Repetitive climbing (ie: steps, stools, ladders, stairs)
Fine motor grips (eg: pipetting)
Gross motor grips
Repetitive reaching below shoulder height
Repetitive reaching at shoulder height
Repetitive reaching above shoulder height
PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES
Face to face contact with public
Lone working
Yes
## Shift work/night work/on call duties
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