We will update this page as any jobs, research positions, etc of interest to CCPQ members become available. The contacts for sending in information about jobs are Martin Plummer and Damian Jones.
14 January 2021: Job opportunity at Quantemol Ltd
Quantemol Ltd have a vacancy for a Scientific Consultant with the main responsibilities including calculating electron scattering cross sections. Quantemol offers scientific software and consultancy expertise in the field of plasma modelling and plasma chemistry design. The company was originally spun out of UCL in 2004 to market the CCPQ electron-molecule collision software and to produce data for (e.g) plasma technologies. A new product Quantemol Electron Collisions (QEC) uses the UK-AMOR/CCPQ UKRMol+ software.
This post would suit a candidate who has or is about to obtain a PhD in an appropriate field such as:
• Molecular/atomic physics and quantum optics
• Quantum chemistry/quantum molecular dynamics
• Computational chemistry
(Knowledge or experience in plasma modelling is a plus but not essential.)
Details may be found here .
26 May 2019: PhD Studentship at the Open University: Electron and positron scattering data for radiation bio-matter modelling
Dr Jimena Gorfinkiel is looking for a PhD student with rather short notice. ‘The person who had accepted the studentship in my group has now turned it down due to personal circumstances. I am therefore looking for a UK/EU student who would be interested in doing a PhD with me starting in October this year. The deadline is 10 June. The student should have a background in physics or computational/theoretical chemistry and an interest in computational work. Programming experience is not essential. One of the projects is summarized below but potential students should also look at my website (http://physics.open.ac.uk/~jdgorfinkiel/index.html). Could you please pass on these details to any potential students who might be interested?’
Electrons and positrons play a role in the interaction of radiation with biological material: electrons are generated in large quantities by the ionizing radiation used in medical treatment; positrons are used in medical imaging (PET scans). Understanding the mechanisms and effect of electrons and positrons on biological molecules can help improve how we use radiation both for medical treatment and imaging. In particular, scattering data are required as input for software that models quantitatively radiation dose and radiation induced damage in biological matter. The project will involve:
1) Determining cross sections for a range of small and mid-size molecules using HPC facilities, liaising with experimentalists and track structure and non-equilibrium charged particle transport modellers to establish greatest data needs.
2) Developing an approach to adapting the gas phase/cluster data to the modelling of e-/e+ scattering from molecules in gases and soft-condensed (disordered) materials. Although it is possible to accurately calculate cross sections for molecules and small molecular clusters in the gas phase, a methodological gap remains related to how to use it to model the effects of radiation on soft-condensed material.
The project is linked to a collaboration with several Australian universities entitled ‘Positrons in biosystems’ and provides an opportunity to develop high performance computing skills while investigating fascinating molecular physics phenomena of relevance in medical applications. The deadline for formal applications is 10 June. Interviews will take place (probably via skype) on Friday 14 or Monday 17 June. For an informal discussion of this opportunity contact Jimena as soon as possible: Jimena.Gorfinkiel@open.ac.uk.
14 February 2019: PhD Studentship at Queen’s University Belfast in attosecond spin-orbit spectroscopy.
Applications are being accepted for a PhD position at Queen’s University Belfast. Full funding (stipend and tuition fees) would be available for UK nationals or EU nationals (who have lived in the UK for over 3 years prior to their application). The project will be co-supervised by Dr Andrew Brown and Prof Hugo van der Hart and will involve the development and application of the world-leading RMT code for the modelling of ultrafast electronic processes in atomic systems. Details of the project can be found here. Please send any queries to Andrew Brown.
5 February 2019: ERC-funded Research Fellow and multiple PhD students in many-body theory of antimatter interactions with atoms, molecules and condensed matter at Queen’s Belfast:
Applications are being accepted for one (potentially long-term) Research Fellow and multiple PhD students to join Dr Dermot Green’s team at Queen’s University Belfast delivering the European Research Council funded project “ANTI-ATOM: many-body theory of antimatter interactions with atoms, molecules and condensed matter” (Feb 2019 — Feb 2024). The successful candidates will be part of the Antimatter and Atomic Many-body Theory Group (led by Dr Dermot Green and Dr Gleb Gribakin) in the Centre for Theoretical, Atomic and Molecular Physics at QUB. For a brief introduction to this rich and multidisciplinary research area (and references to our recent publications) see the PhD project descriptions linked below.
1. RESEARCH FELLOW (3-years with possible extension to Feb 2024, salary £33,199 – £39,610 (closing date 19 Feb, start date ASAP thereafter)
The Research Fellow will be expected to incorporate positrons into a state-of-the-art many-body theory based electronic structure code to enable ab initio calculations of positron interactions (scattering, binding and annihilation) with molecules and condensed matter. They may also be expected to develop the computational approaches (e.g., implementing diagrammatic Monte Carlo) within the context of antimatter-matter interactions. Further details and the application submission procedure, with closing date 19 Feb 2019 (requires CV and names of two referees), may be found here.
2. TWO FULLY-FUNDED PhD PROJECTS (to start October 2019, though earlier possible)
Project 1: Development of many-body-theory methods for positron-atom interactions.
Project 2: Many-body theory of positron interactions with molecules or condensed matter.
Apply via https://web.am.qub.ac.uk/wp/ctamop/postgrad/.
Full funding (stipend+fees) for 4 years will be available to EU nationals for one project. Full funding for 3-years will be available to UK nationals/3+ year UK residents for the other project. Graduates of another university may be eligible for an enhanced stipend through the Purser Studentship.
Candidates with experience of undergraduate advanced quantum mechanics/quantum-field theory; atomic/nuclear/particle/condensed matter theory are encouraged to apply. The provisional deadline is 15 February, though applications will be accepted until the positions have been filled. Interested candidates may contact Dr Green.
8 October 2018: Lectureship in Physcs available:
A Lectureship in Physics is available in the School of Physical Sciences at The Open University (http://www.open.ac.uk/science/physical-science/). Applicants are expected to carry out research that aligns with current physics research areas in the Department, including computational molecular physics. For more details, please see: http://www.open.ac.uk/about/employment/vacancies/lecturer-physics-15206. Or, for an informal chat, contact Jimena Gorfinkiel (Jimena.Gorfinkiel at open.ac.uk). The deadline for applications is midday Friday 26 October 2018.
18 April 2018: Postdoctoral Research Assistantship available:
A 2 year postdoctoral position is available at UCL as part of the UK-AMOR (atomic, molecular, optical R-matrix) high end computing consortium to work on the development of the RmatReact codes. These codes implement a novel R-matrix method of treating ultracold collisions (elastic, inelastic and reactive) between atoms and molecules with a particular emphasis on those collisions which occur over deep potential energy wells. Full details of the position and information on how to apply can be found at https://tinyurl.com/RmatReactjob. Informal enquiries should be made to Jonathan Tennyson (j.tennyson@ucl.ac.uk). The deadline for applications is 4 June.
30 October 2017: Postdoctoral Research Assistantship available:
A two year post-doctoral research assistant (PDRA) position is available at The Open University to work with Dr. Jimena Gorfinkiel. The work involves implementing significant improvements to the UKRmol+ suite, in order to produce a set of codes for the accurate description of atoms and molecular systems in intense, ultra-short light fields. The deadline for applications is 23 November. More details and information on how to apply can be found here: http://www.open.ac.uk/about/employment/vacancies/post-doctoral-research-associate-14121. For an informal discussion of the project contact Jimena directly: Jimena.Gorfinkiel@open.ac.uk.
07 June 2017: Postdoctoral Research Assistantship available:
A two-year post-doctoral research fellow position (PDRA) has been advertised to work with Professor Hugo van der Hart and Dr. Andrew Brown at Queen’s University. The project is funded by the EPSRC to expand the R-matrix with time-dependence suite, and involves a strong collaborative element between Queen’s, The Open University, the Max-Born Institute Berlin and the STFC. All details and the application form can be found via the job listing on the Queen’s website. Further queries can be sent to h.vanderhart@qub.ac.uk. The deadline for applications is 3 July 2017.
18 May 2017: Postdoctoral Research Assistantship available:
A PDRA position is available to work in the research group of Professor Jeremy Hutson (Chemistry, University of Durham) on the quantum-mechanical theory of cold and ultracold molecules, starting as soon as convenient.
In collaboration with the experimental group of Professor Simon Cornish, we have recently succeeded in forming and controlling ultracold RbCs molecules in their absolute ground state. The molecules are formed from ultracold atoms by magnetoassociation, transferred to their ground state by STIRAP, and characterised by microwave spectroscopy. We can then use microwave pulses to transfer the molecules coherently between rotational and hyperfine states. The new projects aim to:
1. Explore collisions of ultracold RbCs molecules with ultracold Rb and Cs atoms and with other RbCs molecules;
2. Extend the molecule formation process to bosonic and fermionic KCs molecules.
The PDRA will be responsible for developing the theory needed for both these projects, in collaboration with the experimental group.
We are also about to start a larger EPSRC project entitled QSUM: Quantum Science with Ultracold Molecules, which involves collaboration with the experimental groups of Ed Hinds, Ben Sauer and Mike Tarbutt at Imperial College London, and the theory group of Dieter Jaksch at Oxford, as well as Simon Cornish’s group at Durham. We also collaborate extensively with experimental groups in Innsbruck and elsewhere and with Paul Julienne’s theory group at Maryland.
The PDRA position now advertised is for 18 months (with some possibility of extension, depending on future developments and funding applications).
Cold molecules provide a fascinating playground for molecular quantum mechanics. We develop theory that is closely related to current experiments in this fast-moving field. Applicants will need to have experience in developing theoretical methods in one of the branches of molecular quantum mechanics (collisions, wide-amplitude vibrations, electronic structure, etc. etc.) and will share my fascination with understanding fundamental quantum behaviour in molecular systems.
For a description of what we do, look at http://community.dur.ac.uk/j.m.hutson/ and links from there. Further information on our recent research and the proposed projects is available at http://community.dur.ac.uk/j.m.hutson/postdoc-info-2017.pdf. We publish on average about 8 papers per year, which have included 12 papers in Phys. Rev. Lett. since 2009. There’s a full publications list at http://community.dur.ac.uk/j.m.hutson/jmhutson-pubs.pdf .
For formal information, or to apply, go to
https://recruitment.durham.ac.uk/pls/corehrrecruit/erq_jobspec_details_form.jobspec?p_id=006210
The closing date for applications is (noon BST on) 12 June 2017, and applications must be made via the Web site above (though I am happy to answer informal enquiries by email).
05 April 2017: Postdoctoral Research Assistantship available:
A two year post-doctoral research assistant (PDRA) positions is available at The Open University to work with Dr. Jimena Gorfinkiel. The work involves implementing significant improvements to the UKRmol+ suite, in order to produce a set of codes for the accurate description of atoms and molecular systems in intense, ultra-short light fields. The deadline for applications is 4 May. More details and information on how to apply can be found here: http://www.open.ac.uk/about/employment/vacancies/post-doctoral-research-associate-13515. For an informal discussion of the project contact Jimena directly: Jimena.Gorfinkiel@open.ac.uk.
09 March 2017: Postdoctoral Research Assistantships available:
Two post-doctoral research assistant (PDRA) positions are available working with Hugo van der Hart, Andrew Brown and Connor Ballance at Queen’s University Belfast. The work includes substantial code development working with both the prmatrix suite and the RMT code, and is focused on intense laser-atom interactions . The first is a three-year post to develop capability to investigate ultrafast, relativistic dynamics in atoms, and the second, a two-year position to investigate the interaction of arbitrarily polarised light with atomic and ionic targets. All details and the application form can be found via the job listing on the Queen’s website. Any queries to h.vanderhart@qub.ac.uk. The deadline for applications is 3 April 2017.
23 January 2017: PhD Studentship available:
A PhD position is available in the group of Jimena Gorfinkiel at the Open University to develop and apply software to the description of correlated multielectron continua. The work involves the study of both electron-and strong laser induced molecular processes. The project provides an opportunity to investigate fascinating molecular physics while developing programming and computing skills and is particularly suitable for a student interested in scientific software development. More details and information on how to apply can be found here: http://physics.open.ac.uk/~jdgorfinkiel/. If you know of any student who may be interested, please tell them to get in touch with Jimena directly (Jimena.Gorfinkiel@open.ac.uk). The deadline for initial applications is 21 April 2017.
21 October 2016: Lectureship available:
Durham University seeks to appoint an outstanding candidate to a Lectureship in Theoretical Chemistry (equivalent to Assistant Professor in the US system). We welcome applications from exceptional scholars with research and teaching interests in the broad field of Theoretical or Computational Chemistry. We particularly welcome candidates who will strengthen and/or complement our existing strengths in quantum chemistry, quantum dynamics, soft matter modelling, biological simulation, and materials chemistry. This post offers an exciting opportunity to make a major contribution to the development of the Department of Chemistry’s research and teaching. The successful candidate will have a demonstrable record of success in their field, will be able to make use of the superb facilities at Durham and will align with and/or complement the strengths of our existing Research Groupings. The appointee will be expected to cultivate an internationally leading research group and to engage in the full Departmental range of teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Durham University consistently ranks in the top 100 universities worldwide. Its Chemistry Department is one of the very best in the UK and has an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and student employability. It is ranked 3rd in the UK in the Times Good University Guide, and 3rd in the Independent Complete University Guide. It was ranked 5th in the UK in REF2014 in terms of grade point average. There is a strong ethos of collaboration across the department, and with other departments in Durham and beyond. Theoretical and Computational Chemists in the department contribute strongly to a range of research centres and institutes within Durham, including the Durham Centre for Soft Matter (and its associated Centre for Doctoral Training – SOFI CDT), the Biophysical Sciences Research Institute, and the Joint Quantum Centre (Durham and Newcastle Universities).
Further details are available at https://www.dur.ac.uk/chemistry/ The successful candidate will have access to Durham’s High-Performance Parallel Computer System, Hamilton, which has 5000+ cores, together with two large parallel shared-memory systems, and modern GPU systems. The Department participates in Durham’s generous research leave policy, which typically provides the equivalent of one term of research leave for every nine terms of employment. We are keen to invite applications from individuals at any stage of their academic career. Candidates should have a completed doctorate and appropriate post-doctoral experience, with demonstrated capacity for international-level research achievement.
We embrace excellence in all its forms and invite all qualified candidates to apply. We particularly welcome applications from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in the University. The successful applicant will, ideally, be in post by 1st September 2017. To see further details of the Lectureship, or to apply, search for the keywords Theoretical Chemistry on the search page at https://recruitment.durham.ac.uk/pls/corehrrecruit/erq_search_package.search_form?p_company=1&p_internal_external=E#. The closing date for applications is 20 November 2016.
23 September 2016: Lectureship available:
A lectureship is available in the School of Physical Sciences at The Open University. Applicants are expected to carry out research that aligns with current areas in the Department, including computational molecular physics.
For more details, please see:http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/AOO740/lecturer-in-physical-sciences-physics/.
Or, for an informal chat, contact Jimena Gorfinkiel.