Research Assistant/Assoc in Quantum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 2 July 2026

The Role

We are seeking research associates (or research assistants, for those who have submitted their PhD thesis by the start date of the role) with experience in the broad area of quantum information science and technology, and an interest in quantum foundations more specifically, to work with Dr Jonte R Hance within the Quantum Research Group in the School of Computing. Positions are funded under Dr Hance’s EPSRC New Investigator Award, titled “Leveraging Quantum Foundations for Metrological Advantage”. This project involves working theoretically to optimise setups with this counterfactual gain for metrology applications, with a focus on understanding, manipulating, and leveraging quasiprobability negativity as a resource for quantum metrological advantage. It also involves building collaborations with experimentalist partners to demonstrate counterfactual gain, and how quasiprobability negativity can strengthen it, and how both can be used for metrology.

You will work closely with internal collaborators, external project partners (including at the University of Bristol, Heriot‑Watt University, Northumbria University, the EPSRC Quantum Sensing, Imaging, and Timing Hub, and the National Quantum Computing Centre in the UK, UMass Boston in the US, Linkoping University in Sweden, and Kagawa University and Hiroshima University in Japan), and new and developing external collaborators. These 3-year fixed‑term positions should provide a path to research independence, and Dr Hance will provide support and guidance for applying for independent fellowships and other such opportunities for developing independence throughout the term of the position.

Research directions will be developed collaboratively by you and Dr Hance, commensurate to previous research experience and independence, but will broadly focus on applying quantum foundational ideas, principles, and tools (e.g., quasiprobability negativity, postselection, interaction‑free measurement, novel POVMs) to problems in metrology, imaging, sensing, or tomography.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level. This is a full time post available for the duration of 3 years.

To apply please upload your CV and cover letter evidencing how your skills and experiences align to the person specification as outlined within the job description.

Key Accountabilities

• Conduct research around quantum information science and technologies broadly defined, based on specific research directions set in discussion with Dr Hance.
• Build internal and external contacts and participate in networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration.
• Help with the supervision of final year undergraduate research projects and postgraduate research students.
• Work with support staff, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Group.
• Contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities.
• Co‑ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s).
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project.
• Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books).
• Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate.

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience of research in quantum information science and technologies (broadly defined).
• Interest and enthusiasm for quantum foundations.
• Experience with the publication of work in peer reviewed journals and presentation of findings at conferences.
• Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy.
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences.
• Proven ability to write‑up results.
• Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues.
• The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems.

In addition for Research Associate:

• Awareness of the research environment.
• High level of analytical and problem solving capacity.
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity.
• Experience of research in quantum foundations.
• Interest in one or more areas aligned with Dr Hance’s research interests.
• Experience with the preparation of grant applications for submission to funder (e.g., Fellowship applications, support for wider grant application by previous PI/supervisor, etc).
• Experience in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students (e.g., in support of formal supervision by previous PI/supervisor).

Attributes and Behaviour

• Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi‑skilled research team.
• Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines.
• Commitment to continued professional development.
• Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity.

Qualifications

• To be in final year of, with thesis submitted at point of beginning the position, a PhD in a relevant subject (e.g., physics, computer science, engineering, mathematics) for appointment at Research Assistant. Upon the award of the PhD, you would then be promoted to Research Associate.

In addition for Research Associate:

• Possess a PhD in a relevant subject (e.g., physics, computer science, engineering, mathematics) for appointment at Research Associate.

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population. At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.