Postdoctoral Research Associate

King's College London - Physics

About the role

Applicants are invited to apply for a postdoctoral Research Associate role in the field of theoretical condensed matter physics and the quantum many-body physics of ultracold polar molecules.

The post is to be held in the Department of Physics at King’s College London, UK, in the research group of Prof. Joe Bhaseen. The post forms part of a UKRI (EPSRC) programme grant on “Quantum Many-Body Physics with Ultracold Polar Molecules” involving experimental and theoretical groups at Durham University, Imperial College London, the University of Birmingham and King’s College London.

The project will involve the development of theoretical techniques for exploring the quantum many-body physics of ultracold polar molecules. The candidate will be embedded in an active research environment for numerical and analytical approaches to quantum many-body systems, in addition to a wider experimental and theoretical collaboration.

The candidate should have a track record in condensed matter theory or theoretical atomic and molecular physics, with expertise in the theory of quantum many-body systems. Previous experience of research on ultracold atoms or molecules is desirable, but not essential.

Applicants are expected to have a PhD, or are awaiting its award, in a relevant area (Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics/Quantum Many-Body Systems/Theoretical Atomic and Molecular Physics). For more details on the project feel free to contact Prof. Joe Bhaseen at joe.bhaseen@kcl.ac.uk.

Within King’s, the candidate will be part of the Department of Physics, which belongs to the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences (NMES). Supporting our staff is important to us and we offer a range of provision including flexible working, caring support, and training opportunities. Our staff come from over 45 countries and around 56% of our students are from outside the UK.

The University is making significant investment in the Faculty and both student and staff numbers are growing.

The Department is currently undergoing significant growth with substantial investment in new appointments, research infrastructure and laboratory space refurbishment. Further details are available at www.kcl.ac.uk/nmes and http://www.kcl.ac.uk/physics.

This post will be offered on an 24-month fixed-term full-time (35 hours per week) contract. The candidate will be required to start as soon as possible in 2026.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.