Salary range: £37694 - £46049

FTE: 1 (35 hours/week)

Contract type: Fixed Term (24 months)

Closing date: 06/02/2026

Applications are invited for a Research Associate to join the Experimental Quantum Optics and Photonics group within the Department of Physics at the University of Strathclyde. We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified applicant to work in the neutral atom quantum computing team led by Prof. Jonathan Pritchard developing a new dual species cryogenic platform for quantum simulation and quantum computing. This project, funded by the EPSRC Programme Grant Quantum Advantage In Quantitative Quantum Simulation (QQQS), will exploit dual species arrays of Rubidum and Cesium within a 7 K cryostat to enable cross-talk free mid-circuit readout, high-fidelity interspecies gates to create a programmable platform for quantum computation and simulation.  The successful applicant will be responsible for the development of the experimental platform, as well as benchmarking new techniques and protocols for implementing quantum algorithms targeting quantum simulation of novel topological phases as well as exploring regimes relevant to quantum error correction and mitigation.

As a Research Associate, under the general guidance of a research leader, you will develop research objectives and proposals, play a lead role in relation to a specific project/s or part of a broader project, conduct individual and/or collaborative research, contribute to the development of new research methods, identify sources of funding, and contribute to the securing of funds for research, including drafting grant proposals and planning for future proposals. You will write up research work for publication, individually or in collaboration with colleagues, and disseminate the results via peer reviewed journal publications and presentation at conferences. You will join external networks to share information and ideas, inform the development of research objectives and to identify potential sources of funding. You will collaborate with colleagues to ensure that research advances inform departmental teaching effort and you will collaborate with colleagues on the development of knowledge exchange activities by, for example, participating in initiatives which establish research links with industry and influence public policy and the professions.   You will supervise student projects, provide advice to students and contribute to teaching as required by, for example, running tutorials and supervising practical work. You will contribute in a developing capacity to Department/School, Faculty and/or University administrative and management functions and committees and engage in continuous professional development.

To be considered for the role, you will be educated to a minimum of PhD level in an appropriate discipline, or have significant relevant experience in addition to a relevant degree. You will have sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge in atomic physics and a developing ability to conduct individual research work, to disseminate results and to prepare research proposals. You will have an ability to plan and organise your own workload effectively and an ability to work within a team environment. You will have 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.

Whilst not essential for the role, applications are welcomed from candidates with: relevant work experience, membership of relevant Chartered/professional bodies (including the Higher Education Academy), experience of relevant student supervision and teaching activities, and/or experience of knowledge exchange related activities.

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

Please click here for further details FP's & T&C's - Research Associate - 778715 ATA 33364 - Physics.pdf