Research Associate

University of Edinburgh

Job title:

Research Associate

Company

University of Edinburgh

Job description

Job Description:The School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh invites applications for several Postdoctoral Researcher positions at Grade UE07 (Research Associate), in areas including, but not limited to, quantum algorithms, quantum machine learning, verification, error mitigation, benchmarking, distributed and cloud quantum computing, quantum cryptography, quantum communications and quantum simulation.The Opportunity:These roles are part of the Quantum Software Lab ( ), in collaboration with the National Quantum Computing Centre (https://www.nqcc.co.uk ). The purpose is to enhance the research capabilities of this research group, known for its high-quality research in quantum informatics at the University of Edinburgh. The QSL currently comprises approximately 50 core members, including eight permanent staff, under the leadership of Prof. Elham Kashefi, Personal Chair in Quantum Computing and the Chief Scientist at the NQCC.We strongly encourage applications from female researchers, minority ethnic groups, first generation academics/STEM and other underrepresented groups in academia. We also are very open to applications from those with non-traditional career paths, including those with family, caring or health career breaks, or those who have moved to academia from a career in another sector.The successful candidates will work as part of either the EPSRC Hub for Quantum Computing via Integrated and Interconnected Implementations (QCI3) or the EPSRC Hub for Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN). As part of QCI3, the candidate may work on

  • developing full-stack solutions targeting applications that fulfill the needs of our economy and society or
  • supporting software infrastructure, including error correction, digital twins, verification and software stack optimisation.

As part of IQN, the candidate will help establish quantum networks at all distance scales, from local to intercontinental; in particular, they will investigate a hybrid approach with existing classical cyber-security standards, including novel emerging post-quantum algorithms and hardware security modules. They will work on design, cryptanalysis and formal security proofs for new generation of hybrid cryptographic protocols including authentication, identification, verification and distributed and cloud computing.This role offers an opportunity to actively participate in and shape QSL’s projects, to a position of international leadership in the field. QSL researchers, in collaboration with industry professionals and NQCC’s application engineers, are transforming existing computational challenges into research problems that can be tackled using quantum technologies. Our researchers will work alongside government, industry, and academia to develop full-stack solutions tailored to the needs of our economy and society.The salary for this post is UE07 £40,247 – £47,874 per annum, and the role is full time (35 hours per week) and fixed term for 24 months, with the potential for extension subject to the availability of additional funding.Your skills and attributes for success:Essential:

  • PhD (or near completion) in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field.
  • Candidates must have a strong background in quantum information or quantum computation.
  • Proven expertise in the techniques needed to undertake the research in question.
  • Demonstrated quality of research performance.
  • Ability to communicate complex information clearly, orally and in writing.

Desirable:

  • Experience and evidence of effective independent and collaborative research work within an interdisciplinary team
  • Preferably, experience in research student supervision and grant writing
  • A track record of first author and collaborative publication in high-quality journals or conferences, including in quantum computing literature

Click to view a copy of the full (opens new browser tab)Application InformationPlease ensure you include the following documents in your application:– CV– Cover letterFeedback is only provided to interviewed candidates.As a valued member of our team you can expect:

  • A competitive salary
  • An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
  • To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
  • Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our

(opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefitsChampioning equality, diversity and inclusionThe University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our (opens new browser tab).The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.Key dates to noteThe closing date for applications is 13 February 2025.Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.About Us: As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.About the Team:Informatics is the study of how natural and artificial systems store, process and communicate information. Research in Informatics promises to take information technology to a new level, and to place information at the heart of 21st century science, technology and society. The School enjoys collaborations across many disciplines in the University, spanning all three College, and also participates as a strategic partner in the Alan Turing Institute and, with Heriot-Watt University, in the Edinburgh Centre for Robotics.The School provides a fertile environment for a wide range of studies focused on understanding computation in both artificial and natural systems. It attracts students around the world to study in our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and currently has approximately 1000 undergraduate students, 320 MSc students and 350 PhD students. Informatics is one of seven schools in the College of Science and Engineering, at the University of Edinburgh. It is recognised for the employability of its graduates (demand exceeds supply), its contributions to entrepreneurship, and the excellence of its research. Since the first Research Assessment Exercise in 1986, Informatics at Edinburgh has consistently been assessed to have more internationally excellent and world-class research than any other submission in Computer Science and Informatics. The latest REF 2014 results have again confirmed that ours is the largest concentration of internationally excellent research in the UK. This contributes to our ranking in the top 15 CS departments world-wide according to the latest Times Higher Education ranking.We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working and recognise and value diversity across all our staff and students. The School has an active programme offering support and professional development for all staff; providing mentoring, training, and networking opportunities.

Expected salary

£40247 – 47874 per year

Location

Edinburgh – Midlothian

Job date

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 05:35:50 GMT

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