Research Associate in Quantum Technologies (AP

About the role

This Research Associate position is part the Quantum Computing via Integrated and Interconnected Implementations (QCI3) Hub, a large multi-institutional consortium and a major pillar of the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme. This position will play an important role in QCI3, developing optical fibres as active elements for quantum technologies. 

The initial focus will be quantum frequency conversion. This uses photonic crystal fibre to modify the wavelength of single photon sources to make them suitable for long range quantum communications. This phase is in collaboration with the University of Cardiff, which contributes specialism in quantum emitters.

The post will be hosted by the Fibres group within the Department of Physics at Bath, with some fieldwork taking place in Cardiff. The term of the position is 24 months.

Your role will be primarily experimental (although an understanding of related theory will be crucial) and will involve working in our cutting-edge fibre fabrication facility and quantum photonics laboratories. You will develop desirable new skills including designing and manufacturing specialist optical fibres and working with innovative quantum light sources.

The role will deliver potential for research impact including publications in prestige journals, international conference travel and technology commercialisation. You will have an important role within a large collaboration, with opportunities to attend and present to regular gatherings of some of the most significant players in the UK quantum technologies space. This position therefore provides an exceptional opportunity to gain experience towards further career progression and research independence.

The Centre for Photonics and Photonic Materials is a highly collaborative and inclusive community of 40 researchers and students in the Department of Physics, University of Bath. It has world-leading status in the field of specialty optical fibres, including photonic crystal fibre. 

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year

Please direct informal or pre-application enquiries to Dr Alex Davis (aocd20@bath.ac.uk)

We encourage all eligible applicants.

About you

The ideal candidate will have a passion for experimental physics and quantum science and technologies. Strong skills in laser laboratory work, theoretical understanding, and innovativeness in a research context are also critical. Prior experience working with optical fibre and familiarity with electronics is desirable but not necessary. 

They will be proactive and effective in the lab as well as possessing a keen attention to the detail of the underlying physics. They will have strong interpersonal skills and be able to contribute in an innovative and constructive way to the activities of the group. They will have a proven track record of communicating their results, such as through conference presentations or publications in peer-reviewed journals.They will have completed, or be close to completing, a PhD in experimental physics or a closely allied field.They will be able to prioritise their workload and be proficient in other relevant skills, such as scientific computing.

Our ideal candidate will have (or will be nearing completion of) a PhD in experimental (quantum) physics or a closely allied discipline which is required for the Grade 7 position. 

A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded. 

What we can offer you:

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

Free counselling services through Health AssuredCycle to work schemeElectric vehicle salary sacrifice schemeStaff discount at Team Bath gymStaff discounts on postgraduate tuition feesStaff discount on language coursesGenerous employer contributory pension schemesGenerous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balanceA wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and moreFree entry to the Holburne Museum in BathLocal discounts and moreA family-friendly workplace An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforceRelocation allowanceVisa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

We are committed to continually expanding our benefits to better support you and enhance your experience with us. Find out more about our benefits.

Find out from our staff what makes the University of Bath a great place to work. Follow us @UniofBath and @UniofBathJobs on X for more information.

Closing Date: 07 Apr 2025

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £38,249 to £45,413