Salary range: £47,389 - £50,253 

FTE: 1 (35 hours/week)

Contract type: Fixed Term (12 months)

Closing date: 25/09/2026

 

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to develop algorithms suitable for solving Chemical Reaction Networks (CRNs) on quantum computing hardware within the quantum computing team led by Professor Jonathan Pritchard at the University of Strathclyde. Working closely with an industrial end-user with expertise in quantum algorithms, and chemistry, this collaboration will design and numerically benchmark algorithms targeting new approaches to solving CRNs, with a focus on application of annealing based quantum optimisation methods.

 

Initially this will target analysis of graph-based algorithms suitable for neutral atom quantum computers, given their potential scalability, and availability of hardware offering qubit coherence times much longer than the relevant annealing timescales, with scope to explore relevance to other hardware platforms such as superconducting qubit annealers that offer different topologies for qubit connectivity. Specifically, this project will investigate solution of simplified CRN problems by development of suitable mapping to allow encoding onto quantum hardware, and performing numerical simulations to assess the performance of direct quantum annealing as well as hybrid quantum-classical approaches.

 

As a Research Fellow, you will engage as an independent researcher in individual and collaborative research, establishing a distinctive programme of research and disseminating results through regular publications in high impact journals, books and conference proceedings. You will apply, as Principal Investigator and/or Co-Investigator, to appropriate external bodies for research funding and manage grants awarded. You will manage a research team (students and staff), providing direction, support and guidance and you will participate in and develop external networks to foster research collaborations, to inform the development of research objectives and to identify potential sources of funding. You will develop knowledge exchange activities by, for example, establishing research links with industry and influencing public policy and the professions and you will collaborate with colleagues to ensure that research advances inform departmental teaching effort, including contributing to relevant teaching programmes as appropriate. You will carry out Department/School, Faculty and/or University administrative and management functions, for example through membership of committees and engage in continuous professional development.

 

To be considered for the role, you will be educated to a minimum of PhD level with expertise in quantum algorithms, quantum simulation, or have significant relevant experience in addition to a relevant degree. You will have research interests consistent with the strategic direction of the Department/School, a body of published research in high quality publications demonstrating standards of excellence, and an ability to develop research proposals and to attract funding and research students, as appropriate to the discipline, including experience of contributing to grant applications. You will have an ability to plan and organise research programmes, to ensure successful completion and you will have experience of planning and organising workloads, including the ability to supervise and delegate work. You will have an ability to work within a team environment and to lead teams and excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to listen, engage and persuade, and to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of audiences.

 

This post is funded through an externally funded research programme. Due to the nature of the funding and associated eligibility requirements, applications will only be considered from UK nationals who meet the essential criteria for the role. This restriction applies solely to comply with the funder's conditions and relevant regulatory requirements.

 

The Department of Physics

The position will be hosted in the Department of Physics which is internationally recognised for its research excellence, industrial engagement and first-class teaching programmes. The department is world-leading in quantum technology research, with active programmes across quantum computing, sensing, timing and simulation spanning fundamental science to applied studies. The successful candidate will join the Neutral Atom Quantum Computing team within the Ultracold-Matter and Quantum Technologies Group. While the primary focus will be the delivery of the project, successful candidates will join a vibrant team working across a range of quantum computing approaches including weighted graph optimisation and error correction, with opportunities for career development through and potentially beyond the fix-term of the post. The post will be available from Autumn 2026.

 

Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof. Jonathan Pritchard (jonathan.pritchard@strath.ac.uk).