Research Associate and Impact Fellow (A3078)

Lancaster University’s Quantum Technology Centre (QTC) invites applications for a postdoctoral Research Associate to develop security devices in collaboration with a spin-out company, Quantum Base (http://www.quantumbase.com/). The role will involve the use of state-of-the-art equipment housed in the QTC (see http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/quantum-technology/) to fabricate and test novel devices. The project will develop a smartphone-readable hardware security solution that harnesses optical quantum materials (e.g. quantum dots and 2D flakes) as optical taggants. A significant focus of the role will be to conduct research with the potential to lead to near-term, commercially exciting applications, in close-collaboration with Quantum Base. Alongside this, the role may also involve the fundamental study of 2D materials with ultra-sensitive optical measurements in a new facility at Lancaster, IsoLab, which houses three isolated laboratory spaces where vibration, noise and electromagnetic disturbance are drastically reduced to give an "ultra-clean" experimental environment.

Lancaster University is one of few institutions worldwide to house the facilities and expertise, and foster the fusion of fields required to pursue this research project. Its world-class Department of Physics was ranked second in the UK for world-leading research output (REF2014) and second in the Guardian’s university rankings for 2016. It has led the emerging field of two-dimensional materials, with researchers from Lancaster University being intimately involved in work towards the 2010 Nobel Prize for graphene, being a consortium member for the EU Graphene Flagship and holding an EPSRC doctoral training centre in graphene jointly with Manchester University. It houses extensive facilities for the development of novel devices in its Quantum Technology Centre (QTC), these include:

A state-of-the-art cleanroom for the nano-fabrication of devices.A series of new laboratories (IsoLab), designed to provide measurements free from all forms of noise. Nano-mechanical and nano-optical laboratories within this facility will produce correlated measurements with atomic-resolution.A quantum optoelectronics laboratory in which the time-correlated dynamics of emission from individual defects can be characterised.A large group of condensed matter theorists with a powerful computing facility to support the experimental measurements with density field theory calculations.

You should have, or be close to completing, a PhD in Physics, Computer Science or a related discipline. 

You will join us on an indefinite contract however, the role remains contingent on time limited funding which, at this time is due to come to an end on 31/10/2021.

Please contact Professor Robert Young if you wish to have an informal discussion about this opportunity: Email: r.j.young@lancaster.ac.uk Tel: +44 1524 592222.

Lancaster University Physics Department is strongly committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our department.

Applicants may find some helpful information on local amenities here: http://www.physics.lancs.ac.uk/jobs/amenities/

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups.

Closing Date: 01 Oct 2020
Category: Research