Research jobs in Grande-Bretagne

Job Description

Position Details

School of Engineering

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £41,671

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to April 2026

Closing date: 14th April 2025

Background

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow in modelling of quantum sensors. The role will involve developing a model for a quantum inertial sensor and integrating it with an inertial navigation system. The Research Fellow will be based in the Microwave Integrated Systems Lab (MISL) at the University of Birmingham and work as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes researchers from University of Birmingham's Quantum Technology Hub, and an industrial partner.

Without an external aiding source, traditional inertial navigation systems suffer from navigational drift due to errors (bias and noise) in their inertial sensors. Recent developments in quantum technology, however, offer the potential for very accurate, bias-free, quantum inertial sensors and thus improved long-term navigational performance. This project seeks to model and characterise these new quantum inertial sensors in terms of their uncertainty and how this uncertainty impacts navigational performance. This sensor model will then be integrated into an existing inertial navigation system via sensor fusion.

The successful application will have a fantastic opportunity to work alongside two world-leading groups at the University of Birmingham: MISL and Cold Atom Interferometry Group. MISL is the largest academic research team in the UK working in radar, remote sensing, and signal processing. MISL is a unique collaborative environment delivering world-class cutting-edge research in the areas of radar (quantum enabled, synthetic aperture, forward scatter), sensors for situational awareness for autonomous platforms, and signal processing for statistical sensor fusion.

Role Summary

• You will contribute to the development of a model for a quantum sensor, and its fusion and integration with existing inertial sensors.
• You will investigate the performance of the above model and sensor fusion algorithm when considering different sensor parameters and configurations.
• Work within specified research grants and projects.
• Operate within area of specialism.
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results.

Main Duties

Specific:

• To develop, implement and evaluate a quantum sensor model and integrate it with an existing inertial navigation system.
• To engage with project partners regarding the design and integration of the software implementation into an existing framework.
• To contribute to the dissemination of the project outcomes through reports to stakeholders and publications of research findings.

Other responsibilities include:

• Analyse and interpret data.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars, etc.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.
• Undertake management/administration arising from research.
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

Technical:

• PhD (or close to completion) in electronic engineering, physics or related field.
• The ideal candidate will have experience in modelling and developing quantum inertial sensors.
• Ability to programme in Matlab is desirable.
• Experience working with sensor fusion algorithms is desirable.
• High level analytical capability.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project.
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.

General:

• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Informal enquiries to Dr Christopher Gilliam, email: c.gilliam.1@bham.ac.uk

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter, and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.

You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.