This project is part of the project Quantum Network Applications in Theory and Practice, with partners at Cambridge and Heriot-Watt Universities and at the Perimeter Institute, Waterloo, Canada. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with our project partners. It will also benefit from our broader extensive network of collaborators.

For informal inquiries and further information please contact Prof. E Andersson, E.Andersson@hw.ac.uk.

Although the appointment in the first instance is until the end of March 2027, it is likely that the contract of the successful applicant will be extended at least until November 2027.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder is required to;

• Conduct individual and collaborative research projects, making use of relevant research techniques and methods. Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences, and/or other appropriate media. Continue to update personal knowledge and to develop skills within own specialist research area. Maintain written records of research results and progress generated intellectual property and data analysis. Contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
• Write research reports and publications. Analyse and interpret the results of own research and generate original ideas bases on outcomes. Prepare proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g. for funding purposes, as opportunities arise. Use initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• Provide guidance as required to research students and any other students who may be assisting with the research.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria

• Applicants should hold a PhD in theoretical physics, mathematics, informatics, or a closely related subject (or be expecting to have their PhD thesis submitted by the start date of the project).
• A record of high-quality publications, and evidence of contribution to the writing of these publications proportionate to opportunity.
• Must have proven academic ability and a demonstrable high level of technical competence in the analysis and modelling of scientific results.
• Good communication skills and the ability to articulate research work, both in technical reports / papers and by oral presentation.
• Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt and more widely with the collaborators at other universities.
• Experience in writing and managing peer-reviewed papers.
• Experience in public presentations of scientific results (e.g. workshop/conference talks).
• Experience of working in a multi-cultural Higher Education or similar environment.
• Must be able to start no later than 1 Nov 2026. Preference will be given to candidates who are able to start soon.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience with quantum communication, especially quantum communication beyond quantum key distribution, and aspects of quantum networks.
• Evidence of ability to present work effectively in person, e.g. at conferences and seminars.
• Experience of collaborating with experimental groups by designing and proposing experiments that can test and validate theoretical results.
• Evidence of ability to supervise and guide other researchers, e.g. PhD students and undergraduate project students.
• Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively.

How to Apply

Applications with full CV (and cover letter), contact details of three referees, a list of publications and a 2-page statement of research interests can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Friday 25th September 2026.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/.

Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

About Heriot-Watt University

At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.