 Samuel Walter Johnson Smith 's imminent mandatory retirement at age 65 prompted a search for a new Poynting Professor of Physics at the University of Birmingham . The University wanted not just a replacement , but a well @-@ known name , and was willing to spend lavishly in order to build up nuclear physics expertise at Birmingham . Neville Moss , its Professor of Mining Engineering and the Dean of its Faculty of Science approached Oliphant , who presented his terms . In addition to his salary of £ 1 @,@ 300 ( equivalent to AUD $ 103 @,@ 000 in 2010 ) , he wanted the University to spend £ 2 @,@ 000 ( equivalent to A $ 158 @,@ 000 in 2010 ) to upgrade the laboratory , and another £ 1 @,@ 000 per annum ( equivalent to A $ 79 @,@ 000 in 2010 ) on it . And he did not wish to start until October 1937 , to enable him to wrap up his work at the Cavendish Laboratory . Moss agreed to Oliphant 's terms . 
