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The University of Sheffield invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join a collaborative US-UK consortium, funded by the EPSRC and NSF. This project investigates the origins of singlet fission, a process where a single photon creates a singlet state that rapidly decays into two triplet states. While singlet fission is a crucial mechanism for understanding the photophysics of molecular systems, its precise origins are unknown, but it is expected to involve a complex interplay of quantum coherence, vibrational interactions, and charge transfer. To understand this behaviour, this project combines expertise in open quantum systems theory, quantum information, and chemistry.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and applying non-perturbative open quantum systems theory. This will involve using data generated from quantum chemistry simulations to explore the underlying mechanisms of singlet fission and to simulate experimental results from both the US and Professor Jenny Clark's laboratory. The role also includes proposing novel experiments to probe quantum correlations and dynamics during singlet fission.

The position is based within the Physics research cluster under the supervision of Dr. Jake Iles-Smith, with close collaboration with Professors Jenny Clark, Pieter Kok, and Anthony Meijer. Applicants should have a strong background in open quantum systems theory, particularly in non-perturbative regimes, as well as a working knowledge of quantum chemistry methods and spin physics in molecular systems.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Develop open quantum systems formalism to simulate molecular dynamics.
• Carry out quantum chemistry simulations to extract relevant information for input into open quantum systems simulations.
• Analyse spectroscopic data generated from experiments, including transient absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies
• Interact and closely collaborate with colleagues in the group, and the wider consortium.
• Provide supervision to junior researchers including master students and PhD students.
• Write manuscripts based on your work and the team’s work for research journals.
• Present work at external scientific meetings, planning well ahead of the deadline.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential criteria

• PhD in quantum physics with a focus on open quantum systems theory (assessed at: application/interview)
• Strong expertise in molecular systems (assessed at application/interview)
• Experience in writing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals (assessed at: application/interview)
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations. (assessed at: application/interview)
• Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving with an appreciation of longer-term implications. (assessed at: application/interview)
• Ability to work in a team and to collaborate effectively with other researchers (assessed at: application/interview)
• Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities. (assessed at: application/interview)

Desirable criteria

• Have a working knowledge of tensor networks and their application in open quantum systems (assessed at: application/interview)
• Familiarity with quantum chemistry methods, such as DFT or CASSCF (assessed at: application/interview)
• Experience of working across disciplinary boundaries, e.g. Physics and Chemistry (assessed at: application/interview)
• Experience in supervision of junior researchers (Master and PhD students)

Further Information

Grade: 7

Salary: £38,249 - £41,064 per annum

Work arrangement: Full-time

Duration until 31 August 2028

Line manager: Senior Lecturer in Quantum Technologies

Direct reports: N/A

Our website: Semiconductor Photonics and Quantum Technologies | Mathematical and Physical Sciences | The University of Sheffield

For informal enquiries about this job contact DrJake Iles-Smith, Senior Lecturer in Quantum Technologies on jake.iles-smith@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in November. This will consist of an interview and presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage no later than 2 weeks after the closing date of the advert. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact hicks-hr@sheffield.ac.uk.

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We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

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