Research Assistant/Associate in Quantum Communication Systems (Fixed Term)

A position exists, for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering, to work within Quantum Networking activity within the Centre for Photonic Systems.

The post holder will be located in CUED's Electrical Division Building in West Cambridge.

The key responsibilities and duties are to develop Quantum Entanglement networks in Cambridge, with a particular emphasis on efficient post-processing to improve operational performance in field trials.

This will involve design, construction and assessment of quantum communication sub-systems and post processing software modules. There will also be optimisation of post processing on CV-QKD and Quantum Alarm systems within Cambridge.

The qualifications required to perform the role are to have obtained or be close to obtaining a PhD in Electronic Engineering, Physics or a related discipline or have equivalent industrial experience in photonics, preferably in quantum communications. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experimental and software aptitude within Quantum Communications of research and an ability to work within a team.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

The Salary Range is Research Assistant: £32,296 - £34,866 and Research Associate: £36,924 - £45,163

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2026 in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a research publications list and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Professor Richard Penty (rvp11@cam.ac.uk) for queries of a technical nature related to the role or Mrs Kam Lundin, Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, 9 J. J. Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0FA, (Tel +44 01223 748341, email cps-sec@eng.cam.ac.uk) for questions on the application process.

Please quote reference NM44871 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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