Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Optical Ground Station Technology for Satellite Optical and Quantum Communications
Directorate: The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Salary: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389
Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term for 18 months
About our Team
At Heriot-Watt University’s Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, our research lab is pioneering the future of secure global communications through quantum and optical technologies. Led by Associate Professor Dr Ross Donaldson, we focus on the practical implementation of satellite-based quantum key distribution (QKD) and high-bandwidth free-space optical communications.
Our team plays a central role in the Quantum Communications Hub and Integrated Quantum Network Hub, where we lead the design, development, and operation of the Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS)—a £2.5M facility located at Heriot-Watt’s Research Park in Edinburgh. HOGS is equipped with a 70 cm reflective telescope, adaptive optics, and single-photon detectors, enabling quantum-encrypted satellite communications and advanced space debris tracking. The station is integrated into a dark fibre network, creating a living lab for hybrid quantum-optical networks and future 6G technologies.
We are actively engaged in collaborative missions including the UK’s SPOQC demonstrator and Canada’s QEYSSat, and maintain strong links with ESA, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, and industry partners through multiple Innovate UK projects.
Selected Publications
1. Towards combined quantum bit detection and spatial tracking using an arrayed single-photon sensor, Optics Express, 2021
2. Feasibility of quantum key distribution from high altitude platforms, Quantum Sci. Technol., 2021
3. Quantum bit error rate timing jitter dependency on multi-mode fibers, Optics Express, 2023
Our work addresses real-world challenges in deploying quantum technologies, from mitigating background noise in free-space links to developing robust photonic devices for next-gen services. We welcome collaborations across academia and industry, and offer opportunities for MSc, PhD, and PDRA candidates passionate about shaping the quantum future.
Detailed Description
Join a cutting-edge research initiative at the forefront of quantum communications and photonic sensing. This Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position is part of the EPSRC-funded Integrated Quantum Network (IQN) Hub a national quantum technology hub featuring >12 university partners and >20 industrial supporters.
The PDRA will lead Heriot-Watt’s technical contributions, working within a dynamic team that operates the UK’s most advanced optical ground station for quantum and free-space optical communications. You will conduct live measurements with in-orbit quantum satellites, have access to and implement advanced adaptive optics and quantum detector and memory technologies, and collaborate with industrial organisations.
You’ll have access to world-class infrastructure, including:
4. The Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS) at Heriot-Watt, featuring a 70 cm telescope, adaptive optics, and single-photon detectors.
5. A dark fibre network for hybrid quantum-optical experiments.
6. Advanced lab facilities for photonic device testing and system integration.
7. Advanced 2D Single-photon counting array technology
We’re looking for a motivated researcher with a strong background in experimental quantum optics, photonics, or optical communications, eager to push the boundaries of secure global connectivity.
The initial contract is for 18 months, but there are options to extend to 24+ months.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The post holder is required to;
8. Work with colleagues and line manager to devise and perform the work consistent with the goals of the project.
9. Write research reports and publications based on the outputs of the work. Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences, and/or other appropriate media. Continue to update personal knowledge and to develop skills within own specialist research area. Maintain written records of research results and progress generated intellectual property and data analysis. Contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
10. Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration. Work with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest and contribute to collaborative decision making. Join external networks to share information and identify potential sources of funds.
11. Provide guidance as required to support staff, research students and any other students who may be assisting with the research.
12. Contribute, under supervision, to the planning of research projects, including the development of new grant/contract proposals. Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.
13. The ideal candidate will have had previous hands on experience with optoelectronic components, such as; laser diode sources, intensity modulators, phase modulators, single-photon detectors, and fibre-optics.
14. Good communication skills and an appropriate publication record are essential.
15. General tasks will involve; construction and testing of an optoelectronic components and quantum optical systems; collaborating with local researchers on the lab-based experiment; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; reporting to the supervisor and project lead.
16. The role will involve working at night to conduct experiments with ongoing in-orbit missions; it is expected the PDRA would contribute to these measurements.
17. The successful candidate will be expected to conduct and lead the work.
18. Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators.
Education, Qualifications and Experience
Essential Criteria
19. Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant area. (Applicants should have submitted their PhD thesis first draft by the start date.)
20. Ability to articulate research work, both in technical reports/papers and by oral presentation.
21. Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt University and more widely with the collaborators at other Universities and industrial partners.
22. Willingness and ability to conduct night measurements.
23. Working knowledge and extensive hands-on experience of; practical quantum communications, optical communications, telescopes, and field work.
Desirable Criteria
24. Additional working knowledge of; adaptive optics, superconducting nanowire technology, quantum memories, or optical communication systems.
25. Experience in industry or collaborating with industry on an R&D project.
26. A candidate with ambitions to work in industry or an applied research lab.