Research Fellow in Quantum sensing civil engineering - School of Engineering

Position Details

School of Engineering

Location:

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to February 2028

Closing date: 11th March 2026

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to drive the underground infrastructure theme within the Quantum Technology Research Hub in Sensors, Imaging and Timing ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).). The successful candidate will focus on designing and conducting large scale laboratory and field trials using a range of geophysical equipment such as Ground Penetrating Radar or gravimeters (e.g. Scintrex CG6) to provide benchmark data as well as the quantum technology gravity gradient sensor.

This involves close liaison with colleagues across campus, especially as part of QuSIT, partner institutions, project partners and asset or land owners. This role will involve working closely with civil engineers, computational modellers, physicists, and geophysicists to organise trials addressing scientific research questions. Work with asset owners will also concentrate on determining the value of the data.

• Design and conduct large-scale laboratory and field trials using both classical as well as quantum technology sensors
• Liaise with others within QuSIT to develop trials which answer scientifically interesting research questions and/or demonstrate the benefits of the QT gravity gradiometer in a range of different use cases
• Process, analyse and interpret data from the trials, using existing models and develop new techniques
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to interpret results and validate findings
• Contribute to technical reports, journal and conference publications, and presentations
• Collaborate with physicists, engineers, and geoscientists to enhance sensor usability
• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

The successful candidate will join a thriving quantum technology applications research base at the University of Birmingham spanning engineering, physics and earth sciences. The University has been active in quantum technologies since 2014 and now leads the UK Quantum Technology Research Hub in Sensing, Imaging and Timing (QuSIT). Bringing together academic partners from seven universities, the British Geological Survey and the National Physical Laboratory, this interdisciplinary Hub is active in translating quantum technology research into applications, including numerous collaborative projects with industry.

The Geotechnical Engineering Research Group, in the School of Engineering, is dedicated to research in underground space. The School of Engineering is home to the National Buried Infrastructure Facility (). The group promotes an open and inclusive culture, fostering a friendly, supportive and collaborative working environment. The group brings together people with skillsets from across areas such as geotechnical engineering, archaeology, geophysics, sensing and machine learning, with group members from seven different countries, speaking over ten different languages.

• Opportunity to undertake high quality research in a highly visible area with connection to impact
• Working closely with people across different disciplines
• Opportunity to develop leadership skills and capacity, and to develop personal networks with industry and other stakeholders
• Training and development through the University and QuSIT
• Allocation of time to dedicate to personal career development, such as training and development of independent research ideas
• Standard benefits of working at the University (e.g. pension scheme)

Applicants are expected to demonstrate academic citizenship, develop and maintain mutually respectful and supportive working relationships with staff and students, and ensure their role impacts positively on others.

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Design and conduct large-scale laboratory and field trials using both classical geophysical as well as quantum technology sensors
• Collaborate within QuSIT team to develop trials which answer scientifically interesting research questions
• Seek out trial opportunities in collaboration with the wider team and the project partners
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to process, analyse and interpret the data from the trials, using existing approaches and developing new ones
• Contribute to publications, reports, and presentations, and support project coordination and stakeholder engagement
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint…