Research Associate in Quantum Networks

Role: Research Associate in Quantum Networks

Grade and Salary: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389 per annum

FTE and working pattern: Full Time (1

FTE), Fixed Term for 5 months

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

About our Team

The post holder will join the research group led by Prof Erika Andersson. Also part of the team for this collaborative project are the research groups at Cambridge (Prof Adrian Kent), and at the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo, Canada (Profs Debbie Leung, Alex May and Thomas Jennewein). At the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, there is also ample opportunity to interact and collaborate with related theoretical and experimental groups.

Detailed Description

We are aiming to develop theory and support experimental efforts relevant to Quantum Networks. This includes both quantum communication e.g. with cryptographic relevance, such as quantum oblivious transfer, and distributed quantum computing.

Theorists and experimenters around the world are working towards the development of quantum networks and ultimately a quantum internet, which would link quantum computers at nodes by reliable quantum communication channels, effectively creating one large quantum computer. This is several steps away from what we presently have: small localized programmable quantum computers together with (but not linked to) long-distance secure quantum key distribution fibre optic and free space links.

There are some clear applications of quantum networks for computing and cryptography. They would allow quantum communication links between any pair of network points, whose security can be guaranteed without needing to trust the intermediate nodes. They would also allow users to run quantum programs on remote large quantum computers made available by service providers. Many other applications, including potentially nearer-term ones, are being proposed, but key questions are yet unresolved.

We do not generally know the most efficient ways of solving even basic problems in network communication and programming: for example, how to use a quantum network capacity efficiently, how quickly quantum states can be routed in response to incoming data, or how best to use quantum entanglement and other resources to implement given cryptographic or computing tasks. Nor is it known how some interesting proposed applications, such as various schemes for quantum money (secure quantum tokens) and quantum position verification, can be best and most efficiently implemented.

The successful candidate will contribute to the formulation and development of theoretical approaches in the space outlined above. The post holder will also be expected to contribute to the preparation and submission of research publications and research proposals, as well as helping to manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

This project is part of the project Quantum Network Applications in Theory and Practice, with partners at Cambridge and Heriot-Watt Universitites and at the Perimeter Institute, Waterloo, Canada. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with our project partners. It will also benefit from our broader extensive network of collaborators.

For informal inquiries and further information please contact Prof. E Andersson,

Although the appointment in the first instance is until the end of March 2027, it is likely that the contract of the successful applicant will be extended at least until November 2027.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder is required to;

• Conduct individual and collaborative research projects, making use of relevant research techniques and methods. Disseminate results of…