THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
Recruitment Role Profile Form
Job Title:
Marie Curie Fellow - Integrated ultracold atom source for portable
atomic clocks and quantum gas experiments
School/Department:
School of Physics and Astronomy
Salary:
From £36,929 per annum in accordance with the EC Marie Curie
financial guidelines for this scheme
Job Family and Level: Research and Teaching Off scale
Contract Status:
This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of 36
months
Hours of Work:
Full time – 36.25 per week
Location:
School of Physics and Astronomy, University Park, Nottingham, NG7
2RD
Reporting to:
Professor Peter Kruger
Purpose of the New Role:
The role is to conduct experimental laboratory research in atomic physics and quantum optics. As
part of a research team, the successful candidate will plan and perform experiments on ultra-cold
atomic ensembles. These efforts are pursued in the framework of the Marie Curie Initial Training
Network “FACT – Future Atomic Clock Technology”, with opportunities to join network-wide training
events and international collaboration. Close links will be maintained to experimentalists working
on similar cold atom setups as well as cold atom theorists within the Midlands Ultracold Atom
Research Centre.
The successful candidate will undertake a project aimed at designing, constructing and testing a
compact cold atom source for portable optical atomic clocks. The source will have to fulfil
requirements of constrained size, low power consumption, efficiency and robustness. It will be
based on state-of-the-art atom chip technology and custom-designed support structures. Novel
transparent materials such as GaN and ITO (e.g. as used in mobile phone touch screens) will be
tested with a view to higher performance of mobile clocks for space and commercial use. The
project will be conducted in close collaboration with our academic and industrial partners in the
FACT network. In addition, the role will include the preparation of scientific publications, assistance
in student supervision and general tasks in the research group.
Main Responsibilities
% time per
year
35 %
1.
Operate experimental setup, test chip assemblies, perform
measurements
2.
Design of atom chip and support structure
20 %
3.
Test novel materials
15 %
4.
Preparation of scientific publications
10 %
5.
Assist in student supervision
10 %
6.
General tasks in the research group
10 %
Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience
Essential
Qualifications/
 Excellent degree in physics, qualifying
Education
the candidate for obtaining a doctoral
degree
Skills/Training
 Computational skills
 Good communication skills
 Ability to present scientific work in
oral and written format
Experience
 Good background in general physics
and quantum mechanics
 Experience in experimental research
on cold atom physics, quantum optics
or related areas
Personal
 Ability to work efficiently in a team
Attributes
Desirable

Practical knowledge of
electronics, software
development

Scientific writing (journal
publications)
Decision Making
i)
Taken independently by the role holder
Questions regarding day-to-day operation of the experimental setup
ii)
Taken in collaboration with others
Changes to experimental setup and procedures
iii)
Referred to the appropriate line manager (Prof Peter Krüger) by the role holder
Decisions regarding major changes of the experimental setup and strategic decisions of
scientific direction and priorities, as well as financial, and personnel matters
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Peter Kruger, email:
Peter.Kruger@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email
address will not be accepted.
Applicants will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in
the UK as defined by the requirements set out by the UK Border and Immigration Agency.
Please visit http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ for more information.
Please quote ref SCI1375