Research Fellow in Theoretical Physics - College of Engineering and Physical Sciences - 105029 - Grade 7

Position Details

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £37,369 to £46,970 with potential progression once in post to £49,798

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to April 2029

Closing date: 2nd December 2026

UK and International travel may be required for this role

Background

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in the Theoretical Physics group at the University of Birmingham, working in the research team of Prof. Hannah Price as part of the EPSRC Programme Grant “Quantum Advantage In Quantitative Quantum Simulation (QQQS)”. This programme grant brings together theoretical and experimental researchers to develop and use quantum simulators based on ultracold atoms. The post-holder will contribute theoretical and computational research on quantum many-body systems, working in close interaction with theoretical and experimental collaborators.

This full-time position is for 24 months. The ideal start-date is 1st May 2027.

Role Summary

We seek a highly-motivated individual with a theoretical background primarily in ultracold atoms, condensed matter physics or quantum information. The successful candidate will

• Work within the QQQS programme grant to develop theoretical approaches and computational calculations for cold-atom experiments.
• Collaborate with other members of the research group and with external research groups.
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results.
• Contribute to the dissemination of research results and to public understanding of physics.

Main Duties

Key responsibilities:

• Develop research objectives and proposals for joint research
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• 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
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Fosters a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
• Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures

Person Specification

• A PhD relevant to the research area (or near completion), or equivalent PhD level qualifications
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics and duties under the Equality Act 2010. Including fostering good relations and advancing the universities Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).

Informal enquiries to Hannah Price, email: h.price.2@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.