Postdoctoral Fellow - Ultracold Atomic Physics

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DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS | TE TARI HŪ-O-TE-KŌHAO
DIVISION OF SCIENCES | TE ROHE A AHIKĀROA

About us | Mō mātou

The University of Otago, established in 1869, has a long and distinguished tradition of teaching and research. Its Department of Physics was the first to be established in New Zealand and was one of the University’s foundation disciplines. The Department produced the first Bose–Einstein condensate in the Southern Hemisphere and currently hosts the national Centre of Research Excellence in Photonics and Quantum Technologies – the Dodd-Walls Centre – as well as Quantum Technologies Aotearoa (QTA), a national multi-institutional research programme. The Department also has particular strengths in affiliated areas through multiple active research groups.

The Role | Te Mahi

In this Postdoctoral Fellow position, you will join the light-matter research group of Professor Niels Kjærgaard to conduct original research in ultracold atomic physics. The project aims to study Rydberg-mediated interactions between ultracold atomic ensembles held in optical tweezers and is supported by a Marsden Fund Grant and the Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies.

Over the past decade, our group has successfully used a steerable tweezer platform as an optical collider to investigate cold collisions between ultracold atomic clouds. In parallel, we have built up expertise on Rydberg electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in room-temperature vapour cells. This project will combine our optical tweezer capabilities with Rydberg EIT to study how the transmission of light through one ultracold atomic ensemble is affected by a photon stored in another distant ensemble, each held in separate tweezers.

We are seeking a highly motivated and responsible individual keen to drive this development in a methodical and structured manner. You will also assist in the development and mentoring of graduate students. Our group is committed to delivering world-class research published in leading journals, and it is a key tenet of our work to provide a supportive and collaborative environment towards this end.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

• A Doctorate in Physics
• Experience with experimental techniques in atomic, molecular, and optical physics
• A solid grounding in quantum optics and light–matter interaction
• High motivation, curiosity, and a passion for research
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Further details | Pūroko

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for two years available from January 2026, based in Dunedin.

The appointment level for this role is $92,350 per annum.

The Dunedin campus is consistently ranked among the most beautiful in the world. The city offers affordable living, a safe environment, and everything within walking distance. Spectacular outdoor activities await right at the doorstep.
If you are looking for an exciting opportunity and would like to learn more about joining our team, please contact Professor Niels Kjærgaard via the contact details below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application, please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2501195 will close on Sunday, 11 January 2026.

Candidates are requested to submit the following:
• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications
• Names and contact details of referees

Additional Information

Contact: Professor Niels Kjærgaard

Position details: Information Statement

Guidelines for Academic Positions: Guidelines

Further Information: Department Website

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Location: About Dunedin

Primary Location
 NZL-SI-Dunedin
Employment Status
 Fixed Term 
Salary Level and Range
 Postdoctoral Fellow ($92,350)
Organisation
 Physics
Job Function
 Research