Research Associate in Quantum Networks

Role: Research Associate in Quantum Networks

Grade and Salary: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389

Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (14 months or as funding allows)

Location: Edinburgh Campus

About our Team  

The post holder will join the research group led by Prof Erika Andersson. Also part of the team for this collaborative project are the research groups at Cambridge (Prof Adrian Kent), and at the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo, Canada (Profs Debbie Leung, Alex May and Thomas Jennewein). At the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, there is also ample opportunity to interact and collaborate with related theoretical and experimental groups. 

Detailed Description  

We are aiming to develop theory and support experimental efforts relevant to Quantum Networks. This includes both quantum communication e.g. with cryptographic relevance, such as quantum oblivious transfer, and distributed quantum computing. 

Theorists and experimenters around the world are working towards the development of quantum networks and ultimately a quantum internet, which would link quantum computers at nodes by reliable quantum communication channels, effectively creating one large quantum computer. This is several steps away from what we presently have: small localized programmable quantum computers together with (but not linked to) long-distance secure quantum key distribution fibre optic and free space links. 

There are some clear applications of quantum networks for computing and cryptography. They would allow quantum communication links between any pair of network points, whose security can be guaranteed without needing to trust the intermediate nodes. They would also allow users to run quantum programs on remote large quantum computers made available by service providers. Many other applications, including potentially nearer-term ones, are being proposed, but key questions are yet unresolved. We do not generally know the most efficient ways of solving even basic problems in network communication and programming: for example, how to use a quantum network capacity efficiently, how quickly quantum states can be routed in response to incoming data, or how best to use quantum entanglement and other resources to implement given cryptographic or computing tasks. Nor is it known how some interesting proposed applications, such as various schemes for quantum money (secure quantum tokens) and quantum position verification, can be best and most efficiently implemented. 

The successful candidate will contribute to the formulation and development of theoretical approaches in the space outlined above. The post holder will also be expected to contribute to the preparation and submission of research publications and research proposals, as well as helping to manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow. 

This project is part of the project Quantum Network Applications in Theory and Practice, with partners at Cambridge and Heriot-Watt Universitites and at the Perimeter Institute, Waterloo, Canada. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with our project partners. It will also benefit from our broader extensive network of collaborators.

Key Duties and Responsibilities  

The post holder is required to; 

Conduct individual and collaborative research projects, making use of relevant research techniques and methods. 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.  Write research reports and publications. Analyse and interpret the results of own research and generate original ideas bases on outcomes. Prepare proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g. for funding purposes, as opportunities arise. Use initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.  Provide guidance as required to research students and any other students who may be assisting with the research. 

Education, Qualifications and Experience 

Essential Criteria 

Applicants should hold a PhD in theoretical physics, mathematics, informatics, or a closely related subject (or be expecting to have their PhD thesis submitted by the start date of the project).  A record of high-quality publications, and evidence of contribution to the writing of these publications proportionate to opportunity. Must have proven academic ability and a demonstrable high level of technical competence in the analysis and modelling of scientific results. Good communication skills and the ability to articulate research work, both in technical reports / papers and by oral presentation. Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt and more widely with the collaborators at other universities.  Experience in writing and managing peer-reviewed papers.  Experience in public presentations of scientific results (e.g. workshop/conference talks).  Experience of working in a multi-cultural Higher Education or similar environment. 

Desirable Criteria 

Previous experience with quantum communication, especially quantum communication beyond quantum key distribution, and aspects of quantum networks. Evidence of ability to present work effectively in person, e.g. at conferences and seminars.  Experience of collaborating with experimental groups by designing and proposing experiments that can test and validate theoretical results.  Evidence of ability to supervise and guide other researchers, e.g. PhD students and undergraduate project students.  Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively.