King's College London

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. 

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1.      PhD awarded, or near completion, in theoretical condensed matter physics, theoretical atomic and molecular physics, or related subjects.

2.      A demonstrable record of research in theoretical physics, with expertise in quantum many-body systems.

3.      Experience of developing analytical or numerical approaches to quantum many-body phenomena.

4.      The ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.

Desirable criteria

1.      Experience in the field of cold atomic gases or molecules.

2.      Experience in the field of quantum magnetism.

3.      The ability to work as part of a team.

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further Information

At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university.

The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension.

We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.

When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day.

We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘ How we Recruit’ pages.

Interviews are due to be held in March 2026.