Ref Number
B04-07438
Professional Expertise
Research and Research Support
Department
UCL BEAMS (B04)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
£43,981-£52,586
Contract Type
Fixed-term
Working Type
On site
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
30-Jun-2026
UCL is one of the world's top universities and based in the heart of London. It is a modern, outward-looking institution. UCL's staff and former students have included 33 Nobel prizewinners. It is a truly international community: more than one-third of our student body – more than 50,000 strong – come from 150 countries and nearly one-third of staff are from outside the UK.
The research activity that this position is connected to, within the Atomic, Molecular, Optical and Positron Physics (AMOPP) group of UCL's Physics and Astronomy Department, is related to experimental studies of cold and ultracold gas-phase ion-molecule reactive collisions within supersonic beams – a leading activity of its kind, both in the UK and worldwide.
Gas-phase ion-molecule reactions are fascinating because they can take place even in the limit of absolute zero temperature. They govern the chemistry of the interstellar medium but also present an ideal platform to exert quantum control in laboratory studies. The aim of this project is to study at low collision energies the reactions between the He+ ion and two polar molecules, in supersonic beams produced in a high-vacuum apparatus.
Ion-molecule reaction rate coefficients are strongly dependent on the molecular rotational quantum state at low collision energies. The project will comprise two phases. Phase one will involve designing and implementing an electric-field guide for focusing molecules in selected (not-reactive) rotational states to the reaction observation region, to enable the demonstration of reactivity suppression. In phase two, microwave radiation will be used to transfer the molecules from non-reactive to reactive states in order to probe the rotational-state-dependence of the reaction rate coefficients and effectively demonstrate a reactivity switch.
The successful candidate will also support ongoing research activities in the recently established research group of Dr Valentina Zhelyazkova, supported by the Royal Society University Research Fellowship scheme, and focused on developing an experimental program for studies of a range of ion-molecule reactions in supersonic beams on various energy scales (from the ultracold regime, where quantum effects dominate the reactivity to the higher energies relevant for the astrochemistry of the interstellar medium), advancing the Rydberg atom–ion substitution approach and breaking new ground in ion-molecule reaction studies at low energies.
This position is funded for 2yrs in the first instance.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual, who holds or is about to obtain a PhD in experimental Atomic, Molecular and Optical (AMO) Physics, Physical Chemistry or a related field. Direct experience working with lasers and optics and cold atoms and/or molecules is desirable.
Please note, appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B (salary £39,148 - £41,833 including London Allowance of £5,197) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.
Progression through the salary scale is incremental. Cost of living pay awards are negotiated nationally and are normally effective from 1st August each year.
For any queries about the role, please contact Dr Valentina Zhelyazkova on [email protected]
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, UCL also offers competitive benefits, such as:
- 41 days annual leave (including 6 University closure days and 8 UK bank holidays)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we strive for our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.
These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. We particularly welcome female applicants and those from an ethnic minority, as they are under-represented within the UCL's Physics and Astronomy Department at the level of the advertised position.
You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/
