Overview
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Computer Science with a particular emphasis on the design and performance analysis of resource allocation algorithms for entanglement distribution in quantum networks. The purpose of the role is to contribute to the project "Utility Optimization in Quantum Networks: Algorithm Design and Analysis", working with Dr. Thirupathaiah Vasantam (Durham University) and Prof. Ayalvadi Ganesh (The University of Bristol, UK). The successful applicant will be based at Durham University but will have opportunities to visit Prof. Ayalvadi Ganesh's group at the University of Bristol, UK. The successful applicant will have opportunities to collaborate with Prof. Neil Walton (Durham University, UK). The general aim of this project is to develop throughput‑optimal entanglement distribution algorithms (both centralized and decentralized algorithms) for quantum networks with resource constraints. The project is funded by the EPSRC AI hub, "INFORMED-AI" hub. More details can be found about the INFORMED-AI hub at https://informed-ai.net. The post is fixed term for 24 months with the start date as May 1^st, 2026, and the end as April 30^th, 2028. The successful applicant will be a member of the NESTiD group within the Department of Computer Science at Durham University, UK.
Responsibilities
- To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
- To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non‑academic audiences.
- To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant‑holder.
- To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
- To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant‑holder.
- To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant‑holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
- To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant‑holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
- To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
- To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
- To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
- To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
- To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
- To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
- To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.
- [Any other specific responsibilities].
Qualifications and Experience
- A PhD (or be close to submission) in Computer Science / Electrical Engineering / Mathematics or a related subject.
- The applicant must have a strong background in mathematical modelling and performance evaluation of communication networks using applied probability, queueing theory, stochastic processes, and optimisation. Prior experience of working on quantum networking is desirable but not required.
- Experience in conducting high quality academic research.
- Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly‑ranked journals.
- Demonstrable ability to present research papers at international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
- Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
- Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
- A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.
- Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.
- Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practicals.
- Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.
- Excellent programming skills.
Skills
- Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.
- Excellent programming skills.
Benefits
- You'll receive 30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 42 days per year.
- We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
- No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost‑effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance.
- We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
- We provide wide‑ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state‑of‑the‑art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24‑7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Our on‑site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5‑16.
- Our family‑friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
- We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
- You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
- Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
- If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest‑free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). EDI are a key component of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We actively work towards providing an environment where staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. We welcome and encourage applications from those who are currently under‑represented in our workforce, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritised ethnic groups. If you have taken a career break or periods of leave that may have impacted on the volume and recency of your research outputs and other activities, such as maternity, adoption or parental leave, you may wish to disclose this in your application. The selection committee will take this into account when evaluating your application. Durham University has been awarded the Disability Confident Leader status. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.
Application Process
We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e‑recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates. Short‑listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in‑person, and will have the opportunity meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will take place remotely. Short‑listed candidates will be invited to give a short presentation of their research followed by an interview in the week commencing the 23^rd February, 2026. In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date. By submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
