Strathclyde Chancellor’s Fellow in Optical Frequency Metrology

Department: Physics

Who we are 

Great minds. Innovative solutions. 

We are the University of Strathclyde. Our vision is innovative and ground breaking, placing us amongst the world’s leading international technological universities. We are vibrant, dynamic and passionate about solving the challenges facing society and industry through our cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary research, education and knowledge-exchange with global partners.  

We are seeking to appoint extraordinary early career academics who complement our strategic themes.  

Our department and research environment 

Applications are invited for a joint academic appointment as a Chancellor’s Fellow between the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the University of Strathclyde to develop a leading research programme in optical frequency metrology. The aim of the post is to develop and grow the strategic research partnership between the two organisations exploiting existing strengths and leveraging a ca. £1m investment by NPL in laboratory space and state-of-the-art microwave and optical frequency metrology equipment based at Strathclyde. The aspirations of the post are closely aligned with the UK Government’s strategic emphasis and investment in Quantum Technology in general and Timing in particular in support of Critical National Infrastructure. 

The University of Strathclyde has established a position as a leading international centre for Quantum Technology research and innovation, covering activities from fundamental and applied research through to technology development and industrialisation. It is our stated aim to create and nurture a vibrant and internationally competitive cluster of research and innovation based on Quantum Physics. We are committed to creating the translational ecosystem required to develop, test, validate and demonstrate disruptive quantum technologies, and respond to current and future market demand. Together with a range of industrial and governmental organisations NPL is a core partner in this ecosystem. 

NPL is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. The National Timing Centre (NTC) programme, led by NPL, seeks to establish a resilient time and frequency network in support of national priority areas as well as the acceleration of innovation in new technologies.  

The post will be based in NPL’s timing innovation laboratory collocated with the Strathclyde Physics Department and closely linked with the activities of the Experimental Quantum Optics and Photonics Group. This laboratory is equipped with a microwave atomic clock linked to UTC(NPL), an optical frequency comb and an ultrastable laser, and has access to a commercial optical atomic clock. Of particular interest for the post is the establishment of an ambitious joint research programme in optical frequency metrology involving development and validation of optical frequency sources as well as their transfer through free-space links and as a basis for a technology pipeline necessary for responding to the needs of future timing infrastructure and applications. 

The successful candidate is expected to have an internationally recognised track record in optical frequency metrology and applied Quantum Technology with demonstrated experience translating technology from the laboratory environment to real-world tests. They will be expected to lead a research programme of international standing, develop knowledge exchange opportunities, attract significant funding, publish in leading journals and contribute to teaching and management of the Department.  

The opportunity 

We would love to hear from you if you have a PhD and postdoctoral research experience; an emerging publication history in high quality academic journals; and research interests which align with this area of strategic priority – particularly if you already hold an external fellowship that can be transferred to us. 

The University of Strathclyde is a socially progressive institution that strives to ensure equality of opportunity and celebrates the diversity of its student and staff community. Strathclyde is people-oriented and collaborative, offering a supportive and flexible working culture with a deep commitment to our equality, diversity and inclusion charters, initiatives, groups and networks. 

We strongly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnicity, women, LGBT+, and disabled candidates and candidates from lower socio-economic groups and care-experienced backgrounds.  

You’ll be rewarded with: 

• Growth of your research portfolio  
• Reduced teaching load and limited administrative duties over the initial years of your Fellowship 
• Support through our academic career development framework to gain feedback on your performance, meet your training needs and enhance your effectiveness – allowing you to be ready for promotion within 5 years of your appointment. 
• Mentoring, to help you establish a balance of research, teaching, knowledge exchange and citizenship responsibilities while enhancing your leadership qualities to support your long-term career. 

* Your Fellowship will normally be at lecturer level (exceptionally, at senior lecturer (Grade 9) (£58,596 - £65,814) where you have a strong track record in research leadership) for 5 years, with the expectation that you’ll meet our promotion criteria within that period and be transferred to senior lecturer (or, where you’ve been appointed as a senior lecturer, Reader) level. 

Application Procedure  

To apply, click the s1jobs APPLY button to visit Strathclyde’s vacancies portal and provide: 

• A fully completed application form 
• A cover letter 
• A CV; and 
• A 5-year Strathclyde research plan which outlines your vision, aligned to our strategic plan and highlights any existing or future opportunities for collaborative initiatives. (maximum 4 pages). 

Further Information  

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Professor Stefan Kuhr, Head of Department (stefan.kuhr@ strath.ac.uk), Professor Erling Riis (e.riis@ strath.ac.uk) and Professor Paul Griffin (paul.griffin@ strath.ac.uk). 

For more information, or to contact a Strathclyde colleague who would love to talk to you about this opportunity, visit our Global Talent website.