At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research in theoretical physics and collaborate with top researchers.
- Company: University of Birmingham, a leader in engineering and physical sciences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity, sustainability, and professional development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team pushing the boundaries of quantum simulation and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37369 - 46970 £ per year.
Position Details
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.
- Foster 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.
Informal enquiries to Hannah Price, email:
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.
Research Fellow in Theoretical Physics - College of Engineering and PhysicalSciences - 105029 - Gra in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, the School of Chemistry provides ample opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles, all while being situated in a dynamic city known for its rich cultural heritage and supportive community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Theoretical Physics - College of Engineering and PhysicalSciences - 105029 - Gra in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at University of Birmingham, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like University of Birmingham. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Theoretical Physics - College of Engineering and PhysicalSciences - 105029 - Gra in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at University of Birmingham. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at University of Birmingham. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at University of Birmingham. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at University of Birmingham to drive research projects forward.
