Research Associate in Quantum Sensing and Imaging

Grade: Grade 7 (£37,694 - £46,389)

Contract Type: 2 positions – Full Time, Fixed Term (1 x 6 months & 1 x 18 months)

Rewards and benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 building closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday) for all full time staff. Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot‑Watt University.

Our team at Heriot‑Watt University have a long–standing track record in researching ground‑breaking single‑photon technologies and techniques for several applications in single‑photon imaging. Our goal is to develop next‑generation single‑photon optics and computational imaging systems based on the latest classical and quantum technologies. We use advanced cameras, optical detection technology, and computational methods to improve the quality of imaging systems in a range of applications. Areas where our technology is relevant include autonomous vehicles, consumer electronics, defence, and optical communication.

Our group has extensive laboratories facilities, including space within a collaborative facility leveraging the skills and technologies of EPSRC’s Quantum Sensing, Imaging, and Timing (QuSIT) Hub and EPSRC’s Quantum‑Enhanced Position Navigation and Timing (QEPNT) Hubs. Furthermore, we have a global network of fellow world‑leading researchers – offering the possibility of exchanges and collaborations. Access to these resources will allow a motivated candidate to drive the research on sensor fusion with single‑photon detection technologies within the EPSRC QuSIT Hub, playing a pivotal role in the UK’s future imaging research using quantum technologies.

The PDRA will investigate aspects of single‑photon detectors applied to nonlinear quantum microscopes. The goal will be to build a scanning confocal nonlinear microscope to provide high‑resolution microscope images of biological samples illuminated in the short‑wave infrared but detected with silicon‑based detectors used in the visible spectrum of light.

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• Work with colleagues and line manager to devise and perform experiments, modelling and analysis consistent with the goals of the project.
  
• Write research reports and publications, analyse and interpret the results of own research and generate original ideas based on outcomes. Prepare proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g. for funding purposes. Use initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
  
• Assist the development of student research skills and be expected to contribute to the assessment of student knowledge (particularly PhD students) in the context of teaching and supervision duties. Could be expected to contribute to specialist courses such as research methods and equipment.
  
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research with the assistance of a mentor, if required. 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.
  
• 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.
  
• Provide guidance as required to support staff, research students and any other students who may be assisting with the research.
  
• 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.
  
• General tasks will involve scientific research; analysis and interpretation of data; daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; preparation of scientific papers; presentation of research at conferences.
  
• The successful candidate will be expected to conduct and lead their own experiments whilst also supervising the activities of junior group members and PhD students.
  
• Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day‑to‑day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators.
  
• The successful candidate is also expected to be involved in our outreach activities, with roles that can be tuned to the specific preferences of the candidate but will involve for example interviews, talks for the general public and preparation of experimental demonstrators.
  

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• Possess and maintain sufficient breadth or depth of specialist discipline knowledge in imaging and or research methods and techniques to work in the area of imaging, specifically using single‑photon techniques.
  
• Possess and maintain sufficient breadth or depth of specialist discipline knowledge in nonlinear optics and the use of nonlinear crystals for the generation of parametric downconversion.
  
• Applicants should hold a PhD in Physics or a relevant area of electrical engineering. (Applicants should have submitted their PhD thesis first draft by the start date.)
  
• Strong theoretical understanding and thorough grounding in experimental techniques relevant to the project.
  
• 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 University and more widely with the collaborators at other Universities and industrial partners.
  
• Experience with single‑photon avalanche diode detectors.
  
• Working knowledge of free‑space optics, optical instrumentation, and practical optical design.
  
• Experience of programming for data acquisition (e.g. MATLAB, Python, C/C++), analysis of data, and interfacing with multiple parts of equipment.
  

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• Experience with imaging systems.
  
• Experience in stereo vision and photogrammetry.
  
• Experience in industry or collaborating with industry.
  
• Experience of research‑student supervision.
  
• Experience with CAD software.
  

Please submit by midnight on Friday, 27th of March 2026, via the Heriot‑Watt online recruitment system: 1) Cover letter describing your suitability for the post and a short statement about research interests 2) Full CV including list of publications.

For any enquiries about this position please contact Professor Jonathan Leach,

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.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot‑Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well‑being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

Heriot‑Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot‑Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from under‑represented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htmand also our award‑winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/.

Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot‑Watt University.