. "Source"@en . "value" . . "Format"@en . """_________________________________________________________________________ Job Description and Selection Criteria Job title Postdoctoral Research Fellow in optical neural networks (experiment) Division Mathematical Physical and Life Sciences Department Physics Location Clarendon Laboratory, Parks Road, Oxford Grade and salary Grade 7: £38,674 - £46,913 per annum Hours Full time Contract type Fixed-term for 12 months with the possibility of an extension subject to funding Reporting to Prof. Alexander Lvovsky Vacancy reference 176896 Additional information Closing date – midday on 18 December 2024 Research topic Experimental quantum and optical technology Principal Investigator / supervisor Dr. Alexander Lvovsky Project team Project web site https://quantech.group Funding partner The funds supporting this research project are provided by Dr. Lvovsky’s Innovare UK SMART grant Recent publications The role Machine learning has made enormous progress during recent years, entering almost all spheres of technology, economy and our everyday life. Machines perform comparably to, or even surpass humans in playing board and computer games, driving cars, recognizing images, reading and comprehension. It is probably fair to say that an artificial neural network can perform better than a human in any environment it has complete knowledge of. These developments however impose growing demand on our computing capabilities, including both the size of neural networks and the processing rate. This is particularly concerning in view of the decline of Moore’s law. The project is to implement artificial neural networks using optics rather than electronics. Optical neural networks would enable us to enhance both the power efficiency and speed of neural networks by several orders of magnitude. The specific aim is to develop a conceptually novel deep optics neural network with analogue electronic activation function. These neural networks will be operational without any involvement from digital computers, and approach animal brain in terms of both productivity and energy efficiency. Group web page: http://quantech.group/ Responsibilities • Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines • Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols • Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate • Contribute ideas for new research projects • Develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed research proposals to senior researchers • Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters • Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment • Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques • Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone • Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups • The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach. This may include lecturing, small group teaching, and tutoring of undergraduates and graduate students. 176896 2024 11 22 JD+and+Person+Spec+Physics 2 Pre-employment screening All offers of employment are made subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. If you are offered the post, you will be asked to provide proof of your right-to-work, your identity, and we will contact the referees you have nominated. You will also be asked to complete a health declaration (so that you can tell us about any health conditions or disabilities so that we can discuss appropriate adjustments with you), and a declaration of any unspent criminal convictions. We advise all applicants to read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures, found at: www.ox.ac.uk/about/jobs/preemploymentscreening/. Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties See: www.admin.ox.ac.uk/personnel/recruit/preempcheck/compulsorychecks/medical This job includes the following hazards or safety-critical activities which will require successful pre-employment health screening through our Occupational Health Service before the successful candidate will be allowed to start work: • Working with category 3b or 4 lasers (laser safety class) Selection criteria Essential • A PhD or equivalent, or close to obtaining, in physics or a related field. • A superb past research/publication record • Demonstrable excellence in free-space experimental optics • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings • Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities • Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation Desirable • Expertise in neural networks and machine learning • Expertise in optical and computational imaging • Awareness of quantum science and technology About the University of Oxford Welcome to the University of Oxford. We aim to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Oxford’s researchers engage with academic, commercial and cultural partners across the world to stimulate high-quality research and enable innovation through a broad range of social, policy and economic impacts. 176896 2024 11 22 JD+and+Person+Spec+Physics 3 We believe our strengths lie both in empowering individuals and teams to address fundamental questions of global significance, while providing all our staff with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to develop and do their best work. Recognising that diversity is our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, we aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution. While we have long traditions of scholarship, we are also forward-looking, creative and cuttingedge. Oxford is one of Europe's most entrepreneurial universities. Income from external research contracts in 2016/17 exceeded £564m and we rank first in the UK for university spinouts, with more than 130 companies created to date. We are also recognised as leaders in support for social enterprise. Join us and you will find a unique, democratic and international community, a great range of staff benefits and access to a vibrant array of cultural activities in the beautiful city of Oxford. For more information please visit www.ox.ac.uk/about/organisation Department of Physics Oxford Physics is one of the largest and most eminent departments in Europe – pursuing forefront research alongside training the next generation of leaders in Physics. With an academic staff of almost one hundred our activities range from fundamental particles to the furthest reaches of the universe to manipulating matter on an atomic scale. Oxford physicists are probing new ways to harness solar energy, modelling the Earth's atmosphere to predict the future climate, exploring computation on the quantum scale and executing calculations that reveal the fundamental structure of space and time. Sub-department The post-holder will be based in the sub-department of Atomic and Laser Physics, which is one of the six sub-departments that together make up the Department of Physics; these are Astrophysics, Atomic and Laser Physics, Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Particle Physics and Theoretical Physics, with a seventh function (Central Physics) providing administrative and technical support to these sub-departments. Members of all sub-departments take part in research, teaching and matters such as examinations, discussion of syllabi, lectures and liaison with undergraduates and postgraduate students. For more information please visit: http://www2.physics.ox.ac.uk/ Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences Division The Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division is one of the four academic divisions of the University of Oxford. The MPLS Division's 10 departments and 3 interdisciplinary units span the full spectrum of the mathematical, computational, physical, engineering and life sciences, and undertake both 176896 2024 11 22 JD+and+Person+Spec+Physics 4 fundamental research and cutting-edge applied work. Our research addresses major societal and technological challenges and is increasingly focused on key interdisciplinary issues. We collaborate closely with colleagues in Oxford across the medical sciences, social sciences and humanities, and with other universities, research organisations and industrial partners across the globe in pursuit of innovative research geared to address critical and fundamental scientific questions. For more information please visit: http://www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/ Athena Swan Charter The Department of Physics holds a silver Athena Swan award to recognise advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. How to apply Before submitting an application, you may find it helpful to read the ‘Tips on applying for a job at the University of Oxford’ document, at www.ox.ac.uk/about/jobs/supportandtechnical/ If you would like to apply, click on the Apply Now button on the ‘Job Details’ page and follow the on-screen instructions to register as a new user or log-in if you have applied previously. Please provide details of two referees and indicate whether we can contact them now. You will also be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement OR CV and statement of research interests. The supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependants). Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description. Please upload all documents as PDF files with your name and the document type in the filename. All applications must be received by midday on the closing date stated in the online advertisement. Information for priority candidates A priority candidate is a University employee who is seeking redeployment because they have been advised that they are at risk of redundancy, or on grounds of ill-health/disability. Priority candidates are issued with a redeployment letter by their employing departments. If you are a priority candidate, please ensure that you attach your redeployment letter to your application (or email it to the contact address on the advert if the application form used for the vacancy does not allow attachments) 176896 2024 11 22 JD+and+Person+Spec+Physics 5 If you need help Application FAQs, including technical troubleshooting advice is available at: https://staff.web.ox.ac.uk/recruitment-support-faqs Non-technical questions about this job should be addressed to the recruiting department directly recruitment@physics.ox.ac.uk To return to the online application at any stage, please go to: www.recruit.ox.ac.uk. Please note that you will receive an automated email from our online recruitment portal to confirm receipt of your application. Please check your spam/junk mail if you do not receive this email. Important information for candidates Pre-employment screening Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work, proof of identity and references. We advise all applicants to read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures, found at: www.ox.ac.uk/about/jobs/preemploymentscreening/. Important information for candidates Data Privacy Please note that any personal data submitted to the University as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation. For further information, please see the University’s Privacy Notice for Job Applicants at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/job-applicant-privacy-policy. The University’s Policy on Data Protection is available at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/data-protection-policy. The University’s policy on retirement The University operates an Employer Justified Retirement Age (EJRA) for very senior research posts at grade RSIV/D35 and clinical equivalents E62 and E82, which with effect from 1 October 2023 will be 30 September before the 70th birthday. The justification for this is explained at: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. For existing employees on these grades, any employment beyond the retirement age is subject to approval through the procedures: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. There is no normal or fixed age at which staff in posts at other grades have to retire. Staff at these grades may elect to retire in accordance with the rules of the applicable pension scheme, as may be amended from time to time. Equality of opportunity Entry into employment with the University and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each particular post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. 176896 2024 11 22 JD+and+Person+Spec+Physics 6 Benefits of working at the University Employee benefits University employees enjoy 38 days’ paid holiday, generous pension schemes, travel discounts, and a variety of professional development opportunities. Our range of other employee benefits and discounts also includes free entry to the Botanic Gardens and University colleges, and discounts at University museums. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits University Club and sports facilities Membership of the University Club is free for all University staff. The University Club offers social, sporting, and hospitality facilities. Staff can also use the University Sports Centre on Iffley Road at discounted rates, including a fitness centre, powerlifting room, and swimming pool. See www.club.ox.ac.uk and https://www.sport.ox.ac.uk/. Information for staff new to Oxford If you are relocating to Oxfordshire from overseas or elsewhere in the UK, the University's Welcome Service website includes practical information about settling in the area, including advice on relocation, accommodation, and local schools. See https://welcome.ox.ac.uk/ There is also a visa loan scheme to cover the costs of UK visa applications for staff and their dependants. See https://staffimmigration.admin.ox.ac.uk/visa-loan-scheme Family-friendly benefits With one of the most generous family leave schemes in the Higher Education sector, and a range of flexible working options, Oxford aims to be a family-friendly employer. We also subscribe to the Work+Family Space, a service that provides practical advice and support for employees who have caring responsibilities. The service offers a free telephone advice line, and the ability to book emergency back-up care for children, adult dependents and elderly relatives. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/my-family-care Childcare The University has excellent childcare services, including five University nurseries as well as University-supported places at many other private nurseries. For full details, including how to apply and the costs, see https://childcare.admin.ox.ac.uk/ Disabled staff We are committed to supporting members of staff with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further details, including information about how to make contact, in confidence, with the University’s Staff Disability Advisor, see https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/disability-support Staff networks 176896 2024 11 22 JD+and+Person+Spec+Physics 7 The University has a number of staff networks including the Oxford Research Staff Society, BME staff network, LGBT+ staff network and a disabled staff network. You can find more information at https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/networks The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club is an organisation run by volunteers that aims to assist the partners of new staff settle into Oxford, and provides them with an opportunity to meet people and make connections in the local area. See www.newcomers.ox.ac.uk 176896 2024 11 22 JD+and+Person+Spec+Physics 8 """^^ . . "Past vacancies at the University of Oxford" . "HTML description of 176896 2024 11 22 JD+and+Person+Spec+Physics.pdf" . . . "text/html" . "Document" . _:Nb2d394c1a1e94810be33af08d9304a49 . "in dataset" . . . "Notation3 description of 176896 2024 11 22 JD+and+Person+Spec+Physics.pdf" . . "application/pdf" . "text/plain" . . "Title"@en . "text/n3" . "NTriples description of 176896 2024 11 22 JD+and+Person+Spec+Physics.pdf" . . "text/turtle" . "176896 2024 11 22 JD+and+Person+Spec+Physics.pdf" . . "type" . . . . . . _:Nb2d394c1a1e94810be33af08d9304a49 . "application/rdf+xml" . . "application/xhtml+xml" . "RDF/XML description of 176896 2024 11 22 JD+and+Person+Spec+Physics.pdf" . "Turtle description of 176896 2024 11 22 JD+and+Person+Spec+Physics.pdf" . . . . "Description of 176896 2024 11 22 JD+and+Person+Spec+Physics.pdf" .