Research Associate in Advanced Platform for Integrated Quantum Photonics Devices

Role: Research Associate in Integrated Photonics Quantum Memories using rare earth doped crystals

Grade and Salary: Grade 7, £36,924 - £46,485 per annum

FTE and working pattern: 1 FTE, 35hrs per week, Monday - Friday

Contract: 24 Months FTC from 01 Jan 2025

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.

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:

1. Operate, maintain and modify, when necessary, a quantum memory experimental setup including tuneable lasers, cryocoolers, vacuum systems, arbitrary waveform generators for the manipulation of atomic and spin excitations, and radio frequency sources for the control of spins.
2. Perform spectroscopic characterization of various rare-earth crystals and implement quantum storage protocols.
3. Carry out other general tasks involved in scientific research such as analysis and interpretation of data, and daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory.
4. Carry out the research project to a high standard by:
1. Meeting planned milestones and deliverables.
2. Reporting progress regularly to supervisors, both verbally and in written reports.
3. Keeping clear written records of work done and storing data in accessible formats according to a system agreed with the project supervisor.
5. Collaborate with partners within the project and others as appropriate.
6. 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).
7. Assist the development of student research skills and contribute to the assessment of student knowledge in the context of teaching and supervision duties.
8. Maintain and develop collaborations with internal and external partners in the field.
9. 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.
10. Write high quality research papers in English for the scientific literature.
11. Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences, and/or other appropriate media.

Essential & Desirable Criteria

Essential

1. A PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or related subjects. Candidates must have submitted their doctoral thesis before starting in post.
2. 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.
3. A record of high-quality publications, as appropriate for the stage in career, in the above-mentioned fields.
4. Commitment to adopting principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Desirable

1. Previous experience with one or more of the following:
1. Vacuum and cryogenics technology
2. Optical and/or radio-frequency technology
3. Control and measurement of quantum systems
4. Programming for data acquisition and analysis
2. Experience in leading the writing of scientific papers.
3. Evidence of ability, subject to opportunity, to guide other researchers, e.g. PhD students and undergraduate project students.
4. Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Tuesday 18th March 2025.

Please submit your CV via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment.

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part-time working and job share options.

About the Team

The Quantum Photonics Laboratory at Heriot-Watt University (HWU) 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: Prof Margherita Mazzera, Prof Cristian Bonato, Prof Brian Gerardot, Dr Mauro Brotons i Gisbert and Dr Christian Bekker.

The group is affiliated to the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Science (IPaQS), which is one of the UK's largest photonics-oriented research institutes. IPaQS has a strong culture of collaborative research, which is built on the regular exchange of ideas between our experimental and theory groups. We are a tight-knit community of academics that support each other's career development. We have a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and hold regular events that celebrate our diversity and raise awareness about issues affecting the IPaQS community.

About Heriot-Watt University

At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.