Assistant​/Associate Professor of Photonic Quantum Technologies

Role:Assistant/Associate Professor of Photonic Quantum Technologies

Contract Type:Full-Time (35 hours per week), Open Ended

Grade and Salary:Grade 8 -£47,389 - £58,225 or Grade 9 - £58,225 - £69,488 per annum

Holiday Entitlement:33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)

The Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences (IPaQS) at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, UK is seeking applications for a faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in the field of Optical/Photonic Quantum Technologies, with a particular focus on technologies enabling quantum networks. The successful candidate is expected to build a vibrant independent research programme in quantum technology. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate a clear commitment to excellence in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching within the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

The candidate will benefit from the exceptional environment provided by the Integrated Quantum Networks Hub for Quantum Technologies which is hosted and led by Heriot-Watt University.

The Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub is a major UK-wide collaboration bringing together the expertise of 13 leading UK Universities, The National Physical Laboratory, RAL Space (the UK’s R&D centre for space technology), and over 40 industrial partners to secure the UK’s leadership in quantum communications. Its goal is to enable secure quantum networking at all distance scales, ranging from localised quantum computing networks through to satellite-based intercontinental communications.

The IQN Hub is part of a £160M network of five Quantum Technology Research Hubs, one of the key initiatives of the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme. Thanks to over £20m in UKRI funding, the Hub is directly supporting the UK’s mission to achieve the world’s most advanced quantum network at scale, as part of the National Quantum Strategy. Our aim in the IQN Hub is to address the major challenges facing the establishment of a secure “quantum internet”.

We are developing globally interlinked, multi-node, quantum networks which exploit new quantum communications channels designed to coexist with existing telecommunications frameworks. Working with industry partners, national laboratories, policy makers and community stakeholders, we are developing the technologies, protocols and standards which will establish a globally competitive quantum communications industry in the UK and enable the deployment of a secure, scalable, quantum communications infrastructure.

The candidate’s research is expected to complement and enhance the activities of the IQN Hub, to develop and lead innovative research initiatives, and secure external funding to support their endeavours. Relevant research areas include, but are not limited to, the following fields: quantum memories; quantum entanglement distribution networks; quantum communications for space; quantum components for networks; new quantum network protocols; quantum-safe communications;

quantum light sources, detectors, repeaters/interconnects and integrated quantum photonics.

The Institute of Photonics & Quantum Sciences and other institutes within the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (see below) provide a diverse and highly collaborative environment, ranging from fundamental to applied research, and with involvement in four of the five Quantum Technology Research Hubs. The successful candidate is expected to commence their role as soon as possible by mutual agreement.

The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences (EPS) has an international research and teaching reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world…