Overview
Role: Research Associate in Integrated Photonics Quantum Memories using rare earth doped crystals
Grade and Salary: Grade 7, £37,694 - £47,389 per annum
FTE and working pattern: 1 FTE, 35hrs per week, Monday – Friday
Contract: 24 Months FTC
Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)
Role Description
The Quantum Photonics Laboratory seeks a talented and motivated scientist to start a new line of research on integrated platforms for novel quantum devices using rare-earth doped crystals for quantum memory applications. Significant goals include:
* the characterization of the optical/spin properties of different crystals,
* manipulation and optimization of their electronic and spin coherence through complex optical and MW sequences,
* implementation of quantum memory protocols in both bulk crystals and waveguide structures,
* integration of MW circuits.
The project is expected to lead to high impact scientific publications and to technological developments related to integrated quantum photonic devices for quantum communication and computation. The work will be conducted in the framework of a recently funded EPSRC grant involving world-leading partners working on waveguide fabrication and electrical engineering. It will be carried out under the supervision of Prof Margherita Mazzera, who is principal investigator of the funded project.
For more information, please send enquiry emails to Prof Margherita Mazzera (m.mazzera@hw.ac.uk).
The application requires a CV and a cover letter explaining the motivation/interest in this project to be submitted through the university portal. Candidates are invited to specifically highlight in their applications how they fulfil the essential criteria for the post, listed below.
We especially encourage applications from women and other underrepresented groups in Physics.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
The post holder is required to:
* Operate, maintain and modify, when necessary, a quantum memory experimental setup including tunable lasers, cryocoolers, vacuum systems, arbitrary waveform generators for the manipulation of atomic and spin excitations, and radio frequency sources for the control of spins.
* Perform spectroscopic characterization of various rare-earth crystals and implement quantum storage protocols.
* 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.
* Carry out the research project to a high standard by
o Meeting planned milestones and deliverables.
o Reporting progress regularly to supervisors, both verbally and in written reports
o Keeping clear written records of work done and storing data in accessible formats according to a system agreed with the project supervisor.
* Collaborate with partners within the project and others as appropriate
* The post holder will join the Quantum Photonics Laboratory and will be expected to work collaboratively and cooperatively in a team environment; this involves shared use of laboratory equipment (therefore effective communication between group members is essential).
* Assist the development of student research skills and contribute to the assessment of student knowledge in the context of teaching and supervision duties.
* Maintain and develop collaborations with internal and external partners in the field.
* Attend group and project meetings, communicating progress on a regular basis. Deliver presentations to project collaborators and the wider research community. Regular short-term travels to visit collaborators and attend international conferences are thus expected and funding to cover caring costs are available.
* Write high quality research papers in English for the scientific literature.
* Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences, and/or other appropriate media.
Essential & Desirable Criteria
* A PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or related subjects. Candidates must have submitted their doctoral thesis before starting in post.
* The ideal candidate will have a strong experimental background in one or more of the following fields: solid-state or atomic physics, quantum photonics, and quantum information science.
* A record of high-quality publications, as appropriate for the stage in career, in the above-mentioned fields.
* Commitment to adopting principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace
Desirable
* Previous experience with one or more of the following:
o Vacuum and cryogenics technology
o Optical and/or radio-frequency technology
o Control and measurement of quantum systems
o Programming for data acquisition and analysis
* 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.
* Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively.
How To Apply
Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Sunday 31st August 2025.
Please submit your CV and covering letter via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment.
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part-time working and job share options.
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. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.
Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website and Disability Inclusive Science Careers.
About The Team
The Quantum Photonics Laboratory at Heriot-Watt University is engaged in research covering solid-state photonics, engineering coherent light-matter interaction using quantum structures and devices, and exploiting such devices for quantum technologies. The group consists of about 25 members, including five academics. The group is affiliated to IPaQS, and has well-equipped laboratories for quantum optics and laser spectroscopy of quantum emitters at various temperatures, with facilities for fabrication of quantum photonic devices. The team values equity, diversity, and inclusion and supports flexible working arrangements.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Part-time
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