Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Photonics and Microwave Integration in Rare Earth

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Quantum Photonics and Microwave Integration in Rare Earth Doped Crystals

Location:

Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

The Quantum Photonics Laboratory seeks a talented and motivated scientist to lead a new research direction on integrated photonic platforms for quantum memories based on rare-earth doped crystals. This role will focus on developing advanced quantum devices that combine optical resonators and microwave (MW) circuits for high-performance quantum memory applications.

• Manipulation and optimisation of electronic and spin coherence through complex optical and MW sequences.
• Implementation of quantum memory protocols in both bulk crystals and waveguide structures.
• Design and integration of MW coils and circuits with photonic components including optical resonators.

Essential Criteria

• PhD in physics, electrical engineering or a related discipline (thesis submitted before starting).
• Strong experimental background in solid‑state or atomic physics, quantum photonics or quantum information science.
• Technical skills in design and characterisation of wave guides, optical resonators and photonic circuits.
• Experience with electromagnetic and photonic simulation software (e.g. COMSOL, Lumerical, CST).
• Programming for experimental control and data processing (e.g. Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB).
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion principles.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with vacuum and cryogenics technology (operation and troubleshooting of low‑temperature setups).
• Background in optical and/or microwave engineering, including MW coil design and integration.
• Control and measurement of quantum systems.
• Ability to guide other researchers, e.g. PhD or undergraduate project students.
• Self‑directed and innovative thinking.

• Operate, maintain and modify the quantum memory experimental setup, including tunable lasers, cryocoolers, vacuum systems, arbitrary waveform generators and MW sources.
• Analyse and interpret data and oversee the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students.
• Meet planned milestones and deliverables.
• Report progress regularly to supervisors via verbal and written reports.
• Maintain clear written records and store data in accessible formats.
• Collaborate with project partners and internal/external collaborators.
• Assist in student research skill development and assessment.

• Attend group and project meetings and present progress to collaborators and the wider research community.
• Participate in short‑term travel to visit collaborators and attend international conferences, with funding for travel and caring costs available.
• Write high‑quality research papers in English for scientific literature.
• Disseminate results via peer‑reviewed journals, conferences, and other appropriate media.

Heriot‑Watt University has established a reputation for world‑class teaching and leading‑edge research, ranking first in Scotland and fourth in the UK for world‑leading research (REF
2021). It offers a diverse and international community with campuses in the UK, Dubai and Malaysia. The University is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, holding an Athena Swan Bronze Award, and supports flexible working arrangements and inclusive employment policies.

Salary:
Grade per annum;
Contract Type:
Full Time (1 FTE) Fixed Term for 24 months;
Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 building‑closed days (including Christmas Eve if it falls on a weekday).

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Monday 5 January 2026. Interviews are anticipated on Tuesday 13 January 2026. Please submit your CV and a cover letter explaining your motivation and demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria via the Heriot‑Watt online recruitment system.

For more information please contact Prof Margherita Mazzera.

We strongly encourage applications from women and other under‑represented groups in physics.