Research Associate in Quantum Networks in Edinburgh

Role: Research Associate in Quantum Networks

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

FTE and working pattern: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term for 5 months

Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)

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 Universities 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.

For informal inquiries and further information please contact Prof. E Andersson, E.Andersson@hw.ac.uk. Although the appointment in the first instance is until the end of March 2027, it is likely that the contract of the successful applicant will be extended at least until November 2027.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• 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 based 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.
• Must be able to start no later than 1 Nov 2026. Preference will be given to candidates who are able to start soon.

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.

How to Apply

Applications with full CV (and cover letter), contact details of three referees, a list of publications and a 2-page statement of research interests can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Friday 25th September 2026.

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 underrepresented groups.

For more information, please see our website here and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers here.

Use our total rewards calculator: here to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

About Heriot-Watt University

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.