Research Associate

The Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences (NMES) comprises Chemistry, Engineering, Informatics, Mathematics, and Physics – all departments highly rated in research activities and a wide-ranging portfolio of education programmes.

Recently re-founded, the Department of Engineering is rapidly expanding into a world-class research and teaching department. Research currently focuses on robotics, telecommunications and biomedical engineering, but we are looking to establish new research themes.

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position to work on quantum distributed computing and communication for secure private information retrieval PIR. The purpose of the role is to develop quantum PIR protocols for distributed and coded database servers by utilising quantum entanglement and coding principles to provide enhanced privacy guarantees and improved communication rates compared to the classical PIR.

The position is supported by the EPSRC platform driving the ultimate connectivity (TITAN) extension project on quantum networks integration.

The position will be based in the Department of Engineering, King’s College London on the Strand Campus in the heart of central London.

The position is full time and is offered on a fixed-term basis until July 2025.

For an informal discussion about the position, please contact Dr Mohammad Reza Nakhai via email at: reza.nakhai@kcl.ac.uk.

• Carry out research on quantum distributed computing and communication for secure private information retrieval.
• Write technical papers and publish in referred journals and conferences.
• Present research findings in project meetings.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners.
• Fulfil the objectives of the project.

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. A PhD in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or a PhD in Computer Science
2. A background in quantum computing, quantum information and coding
3. A track record of high-quality research publications in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences
4. Knowledge of Python and Python-based computer programming

Desirable criteria

1. A PhD thesis relevant to quantum computing, quantum information and coding topics
2. A background in quantum error correcting codes
3. Peer-reviewed publications relevant to quantum computing, quantum information and coding topics
4. A background in communication systems

*Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, via the above ‘Apply’ button. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

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