Research Fellow in coherent control of levitated mechanics
Join to apply for the Research Fellow in coherent control of levitated mechanics role at University of Southampton Malaysia
Overview
You will join the research group of Professor Hendrik Ulbricht at the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Southampton on coherent control of levitated mechanics.
Project Goal
The overarching goal is to perform coherent control experiments with a levitated particle in the classical and ultimately in the quantum regime to generate methods for putting the mass in a quantum superposition state and study decoherence over time.
Experimental Platform
We will use a levitated optomechanics platform matched with fast electronics (FPGA) to:
* Rapidly repeat single-particle trajectories to reconstruct the delocalized quantum state features.
* Optically trap and manipulate (cool, squeeze) nanoparticles to enable wavefunction evolution into a spatial superposition state and prove this with quantum optics analysis tools such as Wigner function reconstruction and high-resolution position measurements by optical interferometry.
Responsibilities
Design, build, and operate the experimental platform, perform coherent control experiments, analyze data, and publish results.
Qualifications
You should have a PhD* or equivalent in experimental quantum physics, electronics, or related topic. Expertise in levitated optomechanics, optical coherent control techniques, or FPGA electronics is required. Applications are considered from candidates working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.
Start date and Duration
Start date: as soon as possible, ideally January 2026. Initial grant duration: 12 months.
Application
Apply online. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number. Closing date: apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date.
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