Research Scientist in Quantum Photonic Integration in Cambridge

Research Scientist in Quantum Photonic Integration in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Toshiba EMEA

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of cutting-edge photonic integrated circuits for quantum communications.
  • Company: Join Toshiba, a leader in quantum communications technology.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, research opportunities, and collaboration with top experts.
  • Other info: Dynamic research environment with opportunities for mentorship and publication.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of secure quantum networks.
  • Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and experience in photonic integrated circuits or quantum technologies.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Toshiba has been at the forefront of quantum communications technologies for over two decades, particularly in quantum cryptography and networking.

Toshiba’s commercial quantum key distribution systems offer the highest key rates on the market and play a major role in the worldwide deployment of secure quantum networks.

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) have revolutionised photonic technologies such as coherent optical communications, sensing and computing.

Over the past decade, their application to quantum technologies has been a strong catalyst for the miniaturisation and scalability of quantum systems, enabling compact, high-performance devices that are viable for commercialisation.

We invite talented researchers with expertise in photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and quantum technologies to join our Photonic Integration Team at Toshiba Europe’s Cambridge Research Lab.

The successful candidate will lead the development of cutting‑edge photonic integrated circuits for next‑generation quantum communications and networking systems.

The role spans from the conception of the photonic chips to their validation and integration in deployable system prototypes.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in photonic integrated circuits and/or quantum technologies, with a proven track record of delivering high‑impact research, the motivation to lead challenging research and development projects in a multidisciplinary environment, and the ability to work effectively with internal and external collaborators in a multidisciplinary environment.

Research outcomes will be published in leading peer‑reviewed scientific journals and presented at major international conferences.

Technology developments will directly contribute to Toshiba’s roadmap for the marketisation of chip‑based quantum communications products.

Responsibilities

  • Photonic chip development
  • Devise and implement new concepts for photonic chips for quantum communications.
  • Conceive and implement new experiments and new protocols for quantum communications.
  • Measure, characterise, validate and optimise the performance of photonic chips and demonstrate their suitability for large‑scale deployment.
  • Apply the security analysis frameworks for quantum key distribution and quantum random number generation to validate and benchmark photonic integrated devices and systems.
  • System integration
  • Contribute to the development of high‑performance quantum photonic system prototypes based on photonic integrated circuits.
  • Work within a multi-disciplinary team to develop innovative approaches for packaging and system integration of quantum photonic chips, including optical and electrical interconnects, electronic control, high‑speed signal processing, software and firmware.
  • Develop system control, automation, synchronisation, simulation, and data analysis.
  • Collaboration & Dissemination
  • Analyse experimental data and communicate findings through peer‑reviewed scientific publications, internal reviews, and major international conferences.
  • Collaborate with industrial partners and academic groups across the UK, Europe, and Japan.
  • Mentor Ph D students and early‑career staff researchers.

Skills and Experience – Essential

  • Ph D in Physics, Photonics, Electronic Engineering, or a closely related field.
  • Proven academic or industrial research experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Photonic integrated circuits, hybrid photonic integration, photonic device design, simulation, modelling, and characterisation.
  • Quantum communications, quantum key distribution (QKD), quantum networks, or quantum photonics.
  • High‑speed coherent optical communication systems.
  • Photonic packaging, micro‑optics, nanofabrication, or advanced photonic assembly technologies.
  • Hands‑on experience in the development and operation of advanced photonic experimental setups and proficiency with RF test and measurement techniques.
  • Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, Lab VIEW, or equivalent programming languages for laboratory automation, system control, simulation, and data analysis.
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to identify technical challenges and develop creative and innovative solutions to overcome them.
  • Demonstrated ability to recognise the potential value of novel physical phenomena, technologies, and concepts, and translate them into practical and commercially relevant solutions.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including scientific publications, technical presentations, technical reporting, and proposal writing.
  • Proactive, highly organised, and capable of leading challenging technical projects to successful outcomes.

Skills and Experience – Desirable

  • Experience with photonic foundry processes, PIC tape‑outs, and engagement with fabrication and integration partners.
  • Experience with photonic integration platforms, including silicon photonics, silicon nitride, indium phosphide, lithium niobate and heterogeneous integration technologies.
  • Experience with electronics development and system integration, including PCB design, FPGA programming, embedded systems, or high‑speed electronics.
  • Theoretical knowledge of quantum key distribution, quantum information security, quantum networking, or quantum information processing.
  • Experience generating intellectual property, including invention disclosures and patent applications.
  • Strong publication record in leading peer‑reviewed journals and presentations at major international conferences.
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Research Scientist in Quantum Photonic Integration in Cambridge employer: Toshiba EMEA

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Toshiba EMEA

Contact Details:

Toshiba EMEA Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Scientist in Quantum Photonic Integration in Cambridge

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Show Off Your Research Projects

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Utilise Professional Networks

Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.

Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly

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We think you need these skills to ace Research Scientist in Quantum Photonic Integration in Cambridge

Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs)
Quantum Communications
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
High-Speed Coherent Optical Communication Systems
Photonic Device Design
Simulation and Modelling
Data Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Toshiba EMEA. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.

Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.

Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Toshiba EMEA. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!

How to prepare for a job interview at Toshiba EMEA

Showcase Your Research Skills

In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Toshiba EMEA. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.

Know Your Publications

If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.

Exhibit Your Team Spirit

In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Toshiba EMEA to drive research projects forward.