Postdoctoral Research Associate in Satellite-Based Quantum Time Transfer

Contract: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (24 Months)

Detailed Description

The Edinburgh Mostly Quantum Lab seeks a talented and motivated scientist for developing a cube-sat payload for entanglement-based quantum time transfer within a project funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and led by our commercial partner Xairos Ltd. The primary goals of the project are to: 

• Model satellite links for quantum time transfer with entangled photon sources. 

• Develop an engineering model of an entangled photon source suitable for deployment on a cube-sat. 

The project is expected to lead to technological progress and high-impact scientific publications in the area of quantum light source development and entanglement-based quantum time transfer with satellites.  The work will be carried out under the supervision of Professor Alessandro Fedrizzi, who is the principal investigator on the project. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop an engineering model for a high-brightness entangled photon source compatible with low-earth-orbit cube-sat platforms. 
• Develop satellite link and rate models for quantum time transfer with entangled photons. 
• Carry out other general tasks involved in scientific research as analysis and interpretation of data, and daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory. 

Carry out the research project to a high standard by:  

• Meeting planned milestones and deliverables. 
• Reporting progress regularly to the project supervisor, both verbally and in written reports 
• Report progress against project milestones to our commercial partners and ESA. 
• Keeping clear written records of work done and storing data in accessible formats according to a system agreed with the project supervisor. 
• Collaborate with partners within the project and others as appropriate 
• The post holder will join the Edinburgh Mostly Quantum Lab and will be expected to work collaboratively and cooperatively in a team environment; this involves shared use of laboratory equipment (therefore effective communication between group members is essential). 
• Assist the development of student research skills and contribute to the assessment of student knowledge in the context of teaching and supervision duties.  
• Maintain and develop collaborations with internal and external partners in the field. 

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria

• A PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or other relevant subjects. Candidates must have submitted their doctoral thesis before starting in post.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong experimental background in one or more of the following fields: experimental quantum photonics, quantum communications.
• A record of high-quality publications, relative to opportunity, in the above-mentioned fields.
• Commitment to adopting principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace

For all criteria, further details and how to apply:

enzj.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX/job/4102/?utm_medium=jobshare

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 www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers disc.hw.ac.uk.

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