Durham University
1 week ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Networking with Yb Qubits Durham University in United Kingdom
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Quantum Optics
Funding
Fixed-term full-time postdoctoral role for 24 months, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Salary is £39,560 - £41,885 per annum.
Deadline
Nov 16, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
Durham University
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About this position
Durham University’s Department of Physics is advertising a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the Quantum Light and Matter research section. The project, “Quantum networking at telecom wavelengths with Yb qubits”, is led by Dr Tobias Franzen and funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
The research sits at the intersection of AMO physics, quantum optics, cavity QED, optical tweezers, cold atoms, and quantum networking. The team is developing a modular ytterbium tweezer-array platform, compact laser systems, and cavity-enhanced atom-photon interfaces to support remote entanglement generation over telecom-fibre links. The wider scientific motivation includes scalable distributed quantum computing and tests of fundamental physics with entangled clocks.
This is a 24-month fixed-term, full-time appointment with a salary of £39,560–£41,885 per annum. The role is research-intensive and includes active collaboration with national and international partners, contribution to publications and conference presentations, help with student supervision, and possible involvement in undergraduate teaching.
Eligibility and preferences: applicants should have a good first degree in physics or a related subject, and a PhD (or be close to submission) in AMO physics or a related subject. Essential experience includes high-quality research, publication-level writing, conference presentation, experimental AMO physics, single atoms or ions, quantum optics/cavity QED, and optical systems such as frequency stabilisation, spectroscopy, photonic interfaces, or optical cavities. Desirable experience includes micro-cavities, light-matter interfaces, laser cooling, optical tweezers, experimental apparatus design/build/troubleshooting, lab electronics, and programming for experiment control and data analysis.
Application process: candidates must apply online via Durham University’s recruitment system and submit a CV plus a cover letter addressing the criteria. The closing date is 16 November 2026. Shortlisted candidates are expected to complete a presentation and interview in or around November 2026.
Funding details
Fixed-term full-time postdoctoral role for 24 months, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Salary is £39,560 - £41,885 per annum.
What's required
A good first degree in physics or a related subject and a PhD, or near completion, in AMO physics or a related subject. Candidates should have experience in high-quality academic research, publication-level scientific writing, presenting at conferences, and experimental AMO physics. Essential technical experience includes single atoms or ions, quantum optics, cavity QED or a related area, as well as optical systems such as frequency stabilisation, spectroscopy, photonic interfaces, or optical cavities. Teamwork, independent working to deadlines, and strong interpersonal and communication skills are required. Desirable experience includes a strong publication record, proposal development, student supervision, complex apparatus design/build/operation/troubleshooting, micro-cavities, cavity-QED, light-matter interfaces, laser cooling, optical tweezers, laser setup alignment, basic lab electronics, and programming for experiment control and data analysis.
How to apply
Apply online through Durham University’s recruitment system. Submit a CV and cover letter showing how you meet the essential criteria. If shortlisted, expect a presentation and interview around November 2026.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.