Description The Opportunity: The School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher (Research Associate) in areas including quantum cryptography, cryptanalysis, hardware security and quantum hardware modules, for a QuantERA project: “Hardware Security Module for secure delegated Quantum Cloud Computing” (HSM-QCC, link: https://quantera.eu/hsm-qcc/). The project aims at developing an independent trusted execution module capable of ensuring secure quantum computing in a cloud environment. The consortium includes several universities and industry partners in Europe, and the University of Edinburgh team, led by PI, Dr. Myrto Arapinis, and CoI, Dr. Mina Doosti, will work mainly on protocol design and security analysis. This role is also part of Quantum Software Lab (QSL, link: https://www.quantumsoftwarelab.com), in collaboration with the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC, link: https://www.nqcc.co.uk). QSL, is the leading place for theoretical quantum research in the UK, and currently comprises approximately 50 core members, including eight permanent staff, under the leadership of Prof. Elham Kashefi, Personal Chair in Quantum Computing and the Chief Scientist at the NQCC. We strongly encourage applications from female researchers, minority ethnic groups, first generation academics/STEM and other underrepresented groups in academia. We also are very open to applications from those with non-traditional career paths, including those with family, caring or health career breaks, or those who have moved to academia from a career in another sector. This post is full-time (35 hours per week), fixed term for 18 months (with the potential for extension subject to the availability of additional funding) The salary for this post is UE07 £40,247 to £47,874 per annum. The successful candidates will work as part The “Hardware Security Module for secure delegated Quantum Cloud Computing” (HSM-QCC) QuantERA project. The project consortium consists of University of Twente (NL, lead), University of Edinburgh, University of Sorbonne (FR), Eötvös Loránd University (HU), and industry partners including Quixquantum, Veriqloud, and Thales France. As part of this project, the candidate may work on Developing new quantum hardware-based primitives that are provably secure and efficiently implementable on small and medium-scale quantum devices. Security analysis of the existing quantum HSM and resources designed and implemented during the project. Designing new practical and quantum-secure protocols for the multi-party verifiable secure quantum computing. The successful candidate is also expected to be actively involved with the collaborators and project partners, attend the consortium meetings, and take part in the communication and reporting of the project. As part of the QuantERA project, the candidate will have the opportunity to engage in an international research environment and a European scale project, as well as engage with experimental labs and industry partners. Working at QSL provides a unique opportunity for the successful candidate to work in an international, active and extremely collaborative environment, both within the lab, the School of Informatics, and with NQCC’s research scientists, industry professionals and application engineers Your skills and attributes for success: Essential PhD (or near completion) in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field. Candidates must have a strong background in quantum cryptography, security analysis and quantum information. Proven expertise in the techniques needed to undertake the research in question. Demonstrated quality of research performance. Ability to communicate complex information clearly, orally and in writing. Desirable Extensive experience of working with multiple allied partners in research networks. Experience in collaboration with experimental researchers especially in quantum optics. A track record of first author and collaborative publication in high-quality journals or conferences, including in quantum computing literature. Experience and evidence of effective independent research work within an interdisciplinary team. More broadly, demonstrated ability to design and complete research projects, to solve problems independently and make original contributions to research. Click to view a copy of the full job description (opens new browser tab) Contact details for enquiries (name and email address): Quantum Software Lab: marapiniexseed.ed.ac.uk, or mdoostied.ac.uk Application Information Please ensure you include the following documents in your application: - CV - Cover letter As a valued member of our team you can expect: A competitive salary An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits Championing equality, diversity and inclusion The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality. Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab). The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa. Key dates to note The closing date for applications is 25 February 2025. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.