Job description and selection criteria
Job title
PDRA in Designing Out-of-Equilibrium Many-Body Quantum Systems
Division
Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division
Department
Department of Physics
Location
Clarendon Laboratory
Grade and salary
Grade 7: £31,076 – £38,183 per annum
Hours
Full time (37.5 hours)
Contract type
Fixed-term – 2 years with a possible extension
Reporting to
Vacancy reference
Additional information
Prof Dieter Jaksch
128599
Closing date 12 noon on 26 May 2017
Job description
Research topic
Designing Out-of-Equilibrium Many-Body Quantum Systems
Principal Investigator /
supervisor
Dieter Jaksch
Project team
Dieter Jaksch Theory Group
Project web site
http://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/groups/qubit/
Funding partner
EPSRC programme grant DesOEQ
Recent publications
http://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/groups/qubit/pages/publications.html
Technical skills
Ultracold atoms, non-equilibrium quantum dynamics
Overview of the role
The overarching goal of the EPSRC programme grant DesOEQ is to explore, understand, and design
out-of-equilibrium quantum dynamics that are relevant for future technologies, using quantum
simulators with atomic gases in optical potentials. These atomic quantum simulators are now
approaching a level of microscopic precision where they can be used as analogue computers. We
believe they could play a singular role in analysing and engineering out-of-equilibrium quantum
dynamics, analogous to wind tunnels for aerodynamics and DesOEQ aims at realizing this potential.
The DesOEQ project will bring quantum simulators to this level, and capitalise on these capabilities
by exploring three broad aspects of out-of-equilibrium dynamics that are especially relevant for
future technologies: (i) switching behaviour of driven quantum systems, which could also be used to
design enhanced classical devices; (ii) driven quantum systems as quantum-enhanced sensors; and
(iii) engineering emergent phenomena in driven quantum systems.
This PDRA post will mainly be concerned with (a) theoretical studies on benchmarking of atomic
quantum simulators for out-of-equilibrium dynamics; (b) understanding the emergence of novel
properties in periodically driven quantum systems; (c) the investigation of steady state properties in
coherently driven systems and the role of dissipation in switching steady states near phase
transitions. The work is expected to be carried out in close collaboration with theoretical and
experimental partners in the programme grant consortium.
Responsibilities/duties
 Define, develop, and undertake theoretical research (analytical and numerical) directed
towards the programme grant’s objectives.
 Involvement in key decisions on research directions, methodologies and research
responsibilities.
 Write research papers for internationally refereed journals and present results at national and
international conferences.
 Advise graduate student work on a day-to-day basis, as required.
 Study and interpret experimental results obtained by project partners and propose new
setups jointly with experimental collaborators.
 Contribute to the positive atmosphere, maintenance and smooth running of the group, as
required.
 Contribute to the intellectual life of the research group and the research collaboration,
including participation in video and teleconference meetings as required, and travel for
collaboration as and when required.
 Contribute to the writing of reports required for extant grants and contracts, including
milestone reports, and final reports before the end of the contract.
 Assist with other reasonable practical and administrative duties as required.
The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach. This may include lecturing, small group teaching,
and tutoring of undergraduates and graduate students.
Selection criteria
Essential
 A good first degree in physics, and a Ph.D. or close to obtaining one in a relevant area
 Research expertise, analytical and numerical skills in the theory of ultracold atomic ensembles
and/or non-equilibrium many-body quantum dynamics
 Research experience in analogue quantum simulation using ultracold atoms
 Proven track record of research experience e.g. through peer-reviewed publications in
international journals
 Ability to take forward a research project and to deliver output
 Skills in analysis, writing and communications
 Ability to both work in a team as well as independently
Desirable
 Proven ability to interact with experimental collaborators and deliver joint output
 Knowledge of Tensor Network Theory (TNT) for describing strongly correlated quantum
systems
 Research record in strongly correlated quantum systems and quantum phase transitions
Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard compulsory
pre-employment screening, such as right to work checks.
About the University of Oxford
Welcome to the University of Oxford. We aim to lead the world in research and education for the
benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Oxford’s researchers engage with academic,
commercial and cultural partners across the world to stimulate high-quality research and enable
innovation through a broad range of social, policy and economic impacts.
We believe our strengths lie both in empowering individuals and teams to address fundamental
questions of global significance, and in providing all of our staff with a welcoming and inclusive
workplace that supports everyone to develop and do their best work. Recognising that diversity is a
great strength, and vital for innovation and creativity, we aspire to build a truly diverse community
which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution.
While we have long traditions of scholarship, we are also forward-looking, creative and cutting-edge.
Oxford is one of Europe's most entrepreneurial universities. Income from external research
contracts in 2014/15 exceeded £522.9m and ranked first in the UK for university spin-outs, with
more than 130 spin-off companies created to date. We are also recognised as leaders in support for
social enterprise.
Join us and you will find a unique, democratic and international community, a great range of staff
benefits and access to a vibrant array of cultural activities in the beautiful city of Oxford.
For more information please visit www.ox.ac.uk/about/organisation
Department of Physics
Oxford Physics is one of the largest and most eminent departments in Europe – pursuing forefront
research alongside training the next generation of leaders in Physics.
With an academic staff of almost one hundred our activities range from fundamental particles to the
furthest reaches of the universe to manipulating matter on an atomic scale. Oxford physicists are
probing new ways to harness solar energy, modelling the Earth's atmosphere to predict the future
climate, exploring computation on the quantum scale and executing calculations that reveal the
fundamental structure of space and time.
For more information please visit: http://www2.physics.ox.ac.uk/
Atomic & Laser Physics Sub-department
The post-holder will be based in the Atomic & Laser Physics sub-department, which is one of the six
sub-departments that together make up the Department of Physics; these are Astrophysics, Atomic
and Laser Physics, Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Particle
Physics and Theoretical Physics, with a seventh function (Central Physics) providing administrative
and technical support to these sub-departments. Members of all sub-departments take part in
research, teaching and matters such as examinations, discussion of syllabi, lectures and liaison with
undergraduates and postgraduate students.
Athena Swan Charter
The Department of Physics holds a silver Athena Swan award to recognise advancement of gender
equality: representation, progression and success for all.
Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences Division
The Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division is one of the four academic divisions of
the University of Oxford.
The MPLS Division's 10 departments and 3 interdisciplinary units span the full spectrum of the
mathematical, computational, physical, engineering and life sciences, and undertake both
fundamental research and cutting-edge applied work. Our research addresses major societal and
technological challenges and is increasingly focused on key interdisciplinary issues. We collaborate
closely with colleagues in Oxford across the medical sciences, social sciences and humanities, and
with other universities, research organisations and industrial partners across the globe in pursuit of
innovative research geared to address critical and fundamental scientific questions.
For more information please visit: http://www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/
How to apply
If you consider that you meet the selection criteria, click on the Apply Now button on the ‘Job
Details’ page and follow the on-screen instructions to register as a user. You will then be required to
complete a number of screens with your application details, relating to your skills and experience.
Please provide two academic references which should be sent directly by Email to Monika Porada
<[email protected]>. You will also be required to upload statements about (i) your
research interests and how they align with the project and (ii) on how your expertise fulfils the
above selection criteria, a CV including a complete list of publications highlighting the five
publications most relevant for the post. Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how
you demonstrate that that you meet the selection criteria outlined above. Please save all uploaded
documents to show your name and the document type.