Job Description
Directorate: The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Grade: Grade 7 (£37,174 - £46,735)
Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (24 Months)
Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday) for all full time staff.
Detailed Description
The Quantum Photonics Laboratory seeks a talented scientist to undertake research on the demonstration of an efficient interconnect between a quantum dot single photon source and a solid-state quantum memory. The goal of the project is to achieve storage of large bandwidth photons in the telecom band into an on-demand photonic quantum memory based on rare earth doped crystals. The project will combine generation and optimisation of single photons, quantum frequency conversion, and implementation of quantum storage protocols based on coherent and efficient manipulation of atomic resonances. The projects will be conducted within the framework of the recently funded Integrated Quantum Network (IQN) Hub, led by Heriot-Watt University.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
* Contribute to the optimisation of the single photon source, focusing on improving the brightness and narrowing the linewidth of the emitted photons.
* Develop a broadband quantum memory operating in the telecom range, matching the operating wavelength and bandwidth to that of the single photons.
* General tasks involve scientific research; analysis and interpretation of data; daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; preparation of scientific papers; presentation of research at conferences.
* Meeting planned milestones and deliverables.
* Reporting progress regularly to supervisors, both verbally and in written reports.
* Keeping clear written records of work done, and storing data in accessible formats according to a system agreed with the project supervisor.
* Collaborate with partners within the project and others as appropriate; assist in developing student research skills and contribute to the assessment of student knowledge.
* Maintain and develop collaborations with internal and external partners in the field.
* Attend group and project meetings, communicating progress on a regular basis. Deliver presentations to project collaborators and the wider research community.
* Write high quality research papers in English for the scientific literature.
* Disseminate results of research in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, and/or other appropriate media.
* Contribute, under supervision, to the planning of research projects, including the development of new grant/contract proposals.
* Involvement in outreach activities, including interviews, talks for the general public, and preparation of experimental demonstrators.
Education, Qualifications and Experience
Essential Criteria
* A good first degree and doctorate in materials science, physics, chemistry, engineering or related discipline. Candidates must have submitted their doctoral thesis before starting in post.
* A strong experimental background in one or more of the following fields: quantum optics or photonics, atomic/molecular/solid state physics, quantum information.
* Appropriate publication record for stage in career in the above-mentioned fields.
* Ability to work as part of a team.
* Commitment to adopting principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
* Experience in public presentations of scientific results (e.g. conference talks).
Desirable Criteria
* Previous experience with vacuum and cryogenics technology.
* Control and measurement of quantum systems.
* Programming for data acquisition and analysis.
* Experience in leading the writing of scientific papers.
* Evidence of ability to guide other researchers, e.g. PhD students and undergraduate project students.
* Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively.
About our Team
The Quantum Photonics Laboratory at Heriot-Watt University (HWU) is engaged in research covering solid-state photonics and engineering coherent light-matter interaction using quantum structures and devices. The group consists of about 25 members, including 5 academics. Research within the group includes two-dimensional materials 'beyond graphene', quantum dots in III-V semiconductors, and defects in wide band-gap materials such as SiC or diamond.
How to Apply
Please submit via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV.
Applications can be submitted until midnight on Friday 18th April 2025.
We can anticipate shortlisting week of 21st April and interviews the following week.
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.
Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups.
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