Research Associate in Quantum Technologies (2 positions)
Grade 7 – £36,924 to £46,485 plus benefits
Note: We especially encourage applications from women and other underrepresented groups in Physics and Engineering.
These are 2-year postdoctoral positions (with possibility of 1-year extension) in the Beyond Binary Quantum Information research group led by Prof Mehul Malik at the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences (IPAQS) at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. These positions are associated with two new UK National Quantum Technologies Hubs: Quantum Sensing and Imaging (QuSIT) and Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN). As such, one position will focus on the area of quantum sensing and imaging, and the other on quantum communications. Please specify which role you are interested in at the time of application.
In these roles, you will be involved in cutting-edge research projects focusing on the study of high-dimensional quantum systems and their application in enhancing quantum technologies. Your research will aim at gaining exquisite control over the spatial and temporal structure of light, with the ultimate goal of pushing the information, noise and sensitivity limits of next-generation quantum technologies for communication, sensing and imaging. You will play an integral role in ongoing BBQLab projects as well as in the planning and delivery of upcoming research projects.
This is a role with a significant amount of responsibility. It will involve overseeing all aspects of our group’s research—from supervising the activities of junior group members, to contributing to the planning and writing of external grant proposals. There is plenty of flexibility for pursuing your own research agenda as long as it is aligned with lab activities. You will have a strong support network for the development your own career through independent grant/fellowship applications. A willingness and ability to travel globally would be an advantage.
For examples of our recent research, please see our group’s publications page: https://bbqlab.org/publications/.
About our Team
The Beyond Binary Quantum Information research group is a dynamic team of researchers working at the interface of quantum information theory and experiment, with a specific focus on exploring high-dimensional quantum photonic systems. We are developing methods to generate, manipulate, and measure complex quantum states of light encoded in the spatial and temporal degrees-of-freedom and applying them in fundamental tests of quantum mechanics for enhancing modern quantum technologies for communication, sensing, and computing.
The BBQ Lab is situated in custom-built, state-of-the-art photonics laboratories outfitted with a wide range of equipment including: femtosecond-pulsed and CW sources of entanglement at telecom and visible wavelengths, superconducting nanowire detectors and arrays, and spatial light modulators (SLMs/DMDs). We are funded by generous grants from UKRI/EPSRC, the European Research Council, and the Royal Academy of Engineering. We are co-leads on two UK National Quantum Technology Hubs (Networks, Sensing and Imaging) and the EPSRC Applied Quantum Technologies Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT). We have substantial resources available for travel and career development and have strong links to leadings research group in the EU and North America.
Additional Information
Complete Job Posting and Application Link
Application deadline: January 31st, 2025
Interviews will be carried out in February 2025.
The appointees will be expected to start in May 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Heriot-Watt University provides a lump-sum reimbursement of relocation expenses that can be used towards UK Visa fees and the Immigration Healthcare Surchage.
For informal inquiries please contact Dr Will McCutcheon, w.mccutcheon(at)hw.ac.uk
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BBQ Lab 