Research Fellow School of Physics and Astronomy 106958 Grade 7

Position Details

School of Physics and Astronomy College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range 36636 to 46049 with potential progression once in post to 48822

Full Time Fixed Term contract up to September 2028

UK and International travel may be required for this role

Closing date: 15th February 2026

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within the field of theoretical condensed matter physics.

Applications are open for a research fellow position in the research group led by Bruno Bertini at the University of Birmingham. The duration is two years with the possibility of extension. The groups research is operating in the area of quantum statistical physics with specific focus on non-equilibrium quantum many-body dynamics. Specific topics of interest include dynamics in quantum circuits and quantum cellular automata many-body quantum chaos quantum integrability (generalised) hydrodynamics quantum information scrambling entanglement measures tensor-network theory. The ideal candidate has either analytical or computational skills (exact diagonalisation or tensor network techniques) and research experience in either many-body quantum physics statistical mechanics statistical field theory quantum-information theory or quantum computing.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is a world-leading physics department excelling in both research and teaching. It hosts over 130 academic and research staff around 50 technical and support staff and over 130 graduate students. Our physics research was recently ranked top in the UK for 4-star-category research by the national Research Excellence Framework 2021 exercise. The 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Professor Mike Kosterlitz and Professor David Thouless jointly for their work into the discoveries of the properties of matter work which started when they were at Birmingham together. The 2017 Prize was awarded for the detection of gravitational waves in which Birmingham staff played a key role.

The School is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of an Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the Schools commitment to promote equality and diversity and to encourage better practice for all members of the community whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants but applications from traditionally under-represented groups in Physics and Astronomy including but not limited to women and Black Asian and Minority Ethnic Groups are particularly encouraged.

Please attach a CV and contact details for two referees to your application.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues asset or company sales IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research with assistance of a mentor if required
• 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
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods such as scientific experimentation literature reviews and research interviews *
• Present research outputs including drafting academic publications or parts thereof for example at seminars and as posters *
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research *
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines*
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

* These indicative responsibilities may also be included in a research role at grade 6.

Person Specification

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in physics or mathematics or being near to completion
• Ability to creatively apply relevant research approaches models techniques and methods
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to communicate complex information with clarity
• Fluency in relevant models techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate with others both internally and externally
• Strong record of research in theoretical condensed matter physics quantum information quantum computing or a closely related field
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Bruno Bertini email:

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 everyoneon our website.