Be at the heart of actionFly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.

Apply Now

Research Associates in Quantum Fields and Gravity (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge
Cambridge
11 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Satellite Quantum Communication

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies)

Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Specialist

Quantum Innovation Sector Lead

Senior Optical engineer

Senior Electronics Integration engineer

Applications are invited for up to three Postdoctoral Research Associates in Theoretical Physics, based at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge. The successful appointees would be expected to start on 1 October 2025 for three years.

Candidates should be qualified to undertake research in topics in quantum field theory or quantum gravity. Members of the group with interests in this area include Alejandra Castro, Nick Dorey, Maciej Dunajski, Sean Hartnoll, Enrico Pajer, Harvey Reall, Ron Reid-Edwards, Jorge Santos, David Skinner, David Tong and Aron Wall.

The successful candidate will have completed (or nearly completed) a PhD in Theoretical Physics or a closely related area prior to their appointment, and will have demonstrated a capacity to produce world-class research.

Duties would include developing and conducting individual and collaborative research projects. The role holders will be expected to plan and manage their own research and administration, with guidance if required. They must be able to communicate material of a technical nature and be able to build internal and external contacts. They may be asked to assist in the supervision of student projects, the development of student research skills, provide instruction or plan/deliver seminars relating to their research area.

Informal enquiries can be made by contacting

Interviews are expected to take place in January 2025.

The successful candidates will be expected to start on 1 October 2025 or by negotiation.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Jobs

Quantum Computing Recruitment Trends 2025 (UK): What Job Seekers Need To Know About Today’s Hiring Process

Summary: UK quantum computing hiring has shifted from credential‑first screening to capability‑driven evaluation. Employers now value provable contributions across the stack—algorithms & applications, compilation & optimisation, circuit synthesis, control & calibration, hardware characterisation, error mitigation/correction (QEM/QEC), verification/benchmarking, and hybrid HPC/quantum workflows—plus the ability to communicate trade‑offs, costs and feasibility to non‑quantum teams. This guide explains what’s changed, what to expect in interviews and how to prepare—especially for quantum algorithm engineers, quantum software/compilers, experimentalists, quantum control & firmware, cryo/readout engineers, quantum error correction researchers, verification/benchmarking specialists, and quantum‑adjacent product managers. Who this is for: Quantum algorithm/applications engineers, compiler/optimisation engineers, control/firmware engineers, experimental physicists & hardware engineers (superconducting, trapped ion, photonic, spin/neutral atom), cryogenics & RF/microwave, QEC researchers, verification/benchmarking specialists, quantum‑HPC orchestration engineers, and product/BD roles in the UK quantum ecosystem.

Jobs

Why Quantum Computing Careers in the UK Are Becoming More Multidisciplinary

Quantum computing has long been considered an elite subfield of physics and computer science. But as quantum technologies advance—from fault-tolerant hardware to quantum algorithms and quantum cryptography—they’re moving closer to real applications in finance, materials simulation, optimisation, cryptography and more. As this transition happens, UK quantum computing careers are becoming increasingly multidisciplinary. Quantum systems are no longer just the domain of physicists and quantum software engineers. If quantum technologies are to be trusted, adopted and regulated, professionals must also incorporate expertise in law, ethics, psychology, linguistics & design. In practice, quantum computing projects now intersect with data governance, risk, human interaction, explainability and communication. In this article, we’ll explore why quantum computing careers in the UK are shifting to multidisciplinary roles, how these five supporting fields intersect with quantum work, and what job-seekers & employers should do to keep up in this evolving frontier.

Jobs

Quantum Computing Team Structures Explained: Who Does What in a Modern Quantum Department

Quantum computing has shifted from lab curiosity to the next frontier of high-impact computing. Across the UK, universities, national labs, start-ups, and established tech and finance firms are building quantum teams to explore algorithms, design hardware, and deliver quantum-ready software. As momentum grows, so does the need for clear, robust team structures. Because quantum R&D spans physics, engineering, computer science, and product, ambiguity about who does what can slow progress, increase risk, and inflate costs. This guide maps the typical roles in a modern quantum computing department, how they collaborate across the research-to-product lifecycle, skills and backgrounds UK employers expect, indicative salary ranges, common pitfalls, and practical ways to structure teams that move fast without breaking science.

🍪 We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you consent to the use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy. You can review our Cookie Policy for more information.