Research Associate in Experimental Quantum Communications

• Department: Mathematics
• Based at: National Physical Laboratory, Teddington
• Hours of work: Full-time
• Contract status: Fixed term
• Salary: £32,817 – £36,914 a year
• Interview Date: 5th July 2021
• Apply by: 09/06/2021
• Job Reference: 9382

We are seeking a talented postdoctoral research associate to work on an experimental project looking at evaluating quantum random number generators (QRNGs). This position is funded by the EPSRC’s Quantum Communications Hub and will be based at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in Teddington (London) in the Quantum Photonics team. The project will involve developing the necessary experimental understanding, expertise and techniques to test quantum photonic QRNGs. The developed approach will be applied to commercial devices, and contribute to the development of a UK security evaluation process for these devices.

This is a fixed term position to start as soon as possible with an end date of 30 November 2022 with the possibility of an extension up to a further 24 months after that date.  You will be based at NPL at Teddington and the University of York will employ you throughout your contract.

Role
The responsibilities of this role include:

• Conducting research under the supervision of senior colleagues and to contribute to the production of research

• Providing guidance to other project partners and interacting with them to understand the experimental results that are achieved.

• Co-ordinating and attending meetings and research visits with project partners

• Assisting in the identification and development of potential areas of research

• Undertaking appropriate organisational and administrative activities connected to the research project, including conference organisation, and the development of promotional or educational material including website maintenance and development, as required.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed
First degree in Physics or Engineering or a related discipline
PhD in Physics or Engineering or equivalent experience
Research expertise in experimental quantum photonics
Experience of writing up research work for publication
Research experience in quantum random number generation (desirable)
Experience of working with external collaborators (desirable)
Interview date: 5th July 2021

For informal enquiries: Informal technical enquiries regarding this post are welcomed and may be made to: Dr Christopher Chunnilall (christopher.chunnilall@npl.co.uk).

Informal enquiries regarding the Quantum Communications Hub may be made to: Professor Tim Spiller (timothy.spiller@york.ac.uk)