Postdoctoral Research Associate in Satellite Quantum Communication
The Edinburgh Mostly Quantum Lab seeks a talented and motivated scientist for carrying out experiments and field tests for entanglement-based quantum communication with satellites via the Quantum Communications Hub’s Optical Ground Station (HOGS) located on Heriot-Watt campus.
The primary goals of the project are to:
* Develop rugged high-quality entangled photon sources for satellite uplink scenarios
* Develop uplink infrastructure for the Hub Optical Ground Station telescope on Heriot-Watt campus
* Conduct field tests and international quantum key distribution via HOGS to the Canadian QEYSSat satellite mission
The project is expected to lead to technological progress and high-impact scientific publications in quantum light source development and intercontinental satellite quantum communication.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
The post holder is required to:
* Develop a modular high-brightness entangled photon source compatible with the HOGS satellite quantum communication facility.
* Develop uplink capabilities for the optical ground station, including point-ahead tracking and polarisation control.
* Conduct field tests for quantum communication with a receiver satellite in a low-earth orbit.
* Carry out other general tasks involved in scientific research as analysis and interpretation of data, and daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory.
* Collaborate with partners within the project and others as appropriate
* Assist the development of student research skills and contribute to the assessment of student knowledge in the context of teaching and supervision duties.
Essential Criteria
* A PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or other relevant subjects.
* A strong experimental background in one or more of the following fields: experimental quantum photonics, quantum communications.
* A record of high-quality publications, relative to opportunity, in the above-mentioned fields.
* Commitment to adopting principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace
Desirable Criteria
* Previous experience with one or more of the following: entangled photon source development, long-distance quantum communication, modelling of optical satellite communication links.
* Experience in leading the writing of scientific papers.
* Evidence of ability, subject to opportunity, to guide other researchers, e.g. PhD students and undergraduate project students.
We especially encourage applications from women and other underrepresented groups in Physics.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities.
Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Sunday 26 October 2025.
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