Job Description

Role: Assistant/Associate Professor of Photonic Quantum Technologies

Contract Type: Full-Time (35 hours per week), Open Ended

Grade and Salary: Grade 8 - £47,389 - £58,225 or Grade 9 - £58,225 - £69,488 per annum

Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)

Detailed Description

The Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences (IPaQS) at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, UK is seeking applications for a faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in the field of Optical/Photonic Quantum Technologies, with a particular focus on technologies enabling quantum networks. The successful candidate is expected to build a vibrant independent research programme in quantum technology. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate a clear commitment to excellence in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching within the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

The candidate will benefit from the exceptional environment provided by the Integrated Quantum Networks Hub for Quantum Technologies which is hosted and led by Heriot-Watt University. The Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub is a major UK-wide collaboration bringing together the expertise of 13 leading UK Universities, The National Physical Laboratory, RAL Space (the UK’s R&D centre for space technology), and over 40 industrial partners to secure the UK’s leadership in quantum communications. Its goal is to enable secure quantum networking at all distance scales, ranging from localised quantum computing networks through to satellite-based intercontinental communications.

The IQN Hub is part of a £160M network of five Quantum Technology Research Hubs, one of the key initiatives of the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme. Thanks to over £20m in UKRI funding, the Hub is directly supporting the UK’s mission to achieve the world’s most advanced quantum network at scale, as part of the National Quantum Strategy. Our aim in the IQN Hub is to address the major challenges facing the establishment of a secure “quantum internet”. We are developing globally interlinked, multi-node, quantum networks which exploit new quantum communications channels designed to coexist with existing telecommunications frameworks. Working with industry partners, national laboratories, policy makers and community stakeholders, we are developing the technologies, protocols and standards which will establish a globally competitive quantum communications industry in the UK and enable the deployment of a secure, scalable, quantum communications infrastructure.

The candidate’s research is expected to complement and enhance the activities of the IQN Hub, to develop and lead innovative research initiatives, and secure external funding to support their endeavours. Relevant research areas include, but are not limited to, the following fields: quantum memories; quantum entanglement distribution networks; quantum communications for space; quantum components for networks; new quantum network protocols; quantum-safe communications; quantum light sources, detectors, repeaters/interconnects and integrated quantum photonics.

The Institute of Photonics & Quantum Sciences and other institutes within the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (see below) provide a diverse and highly collaborative environment, ranging from fundamental to applied research, and with involvement in four of the five Quantum Technology Research Hubs. The successful candidate is expected to commence their role as soon as possible by mutual agreement.

About EPS

The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences (EPS) has an international research and teaching reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering, and technology.

Our research ranges from fundamental sciences through to engineering applications, all of which are supported by strong external funding. We have around 150 full-time academic staff who drive this research activity and are based in five research institutes: the Institute of Photonics & Quantum Sciences, the Institute of Chemical Sciences, the Institute of Mechanical, Process & Energy Engineering, the Institute of Sensors, Signals & Systems and the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics & Bioengineering. In REF2021, our Physics submission was top-ranked in the UK for world-leading research outputs (97% of outputs classed as world-leading and internationally excellent) while our joint submission to Engineering with the University of Edinburgh was ranked 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for quality and breadth of research based upon the standard Research Power formula as used by the Times Higher Education.

We deliver teaching across six undergraduate programmes: Physics; Chemistry; Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering; Chemical & Process Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Brewing & Distilling; and Aerospace Engineering.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• The successful applicant, as part of an active research and teaching team, will be responsible for the following key activities:
• Develop an internationally leading research programme, actively contributing to the university’s research profile;
• Actively pursuing research funding through the submission of high-quality grant proposals;
• Establishing collaborative research and teaching links inside and outside the university via academia, funding councils, industry, business and public bodies;
• Contributing to School, Institute and research group strategic planning where required, as well as carrying out general research administration;
• Representing the institution in a professional capacity, particularly regarding research dissemination and development e.g., conferences, meetings, with industrial partners, etc.
• Supervising and mentoring undergraduate students, postgraduate students and research associates’ research work;
• Teaching through the delivery of lectures, tutorials and laboratories, assessing the relevant students’ work as well as setting and marking examinations and coursework;
• Designing and developing teaching materials and new teaching methods, using personal research to inform teaching where appropriate;
• Carrying out general academic administration, including participation on committees and exam boards, taking responsibility for key discipline-specific administration tasks and mentoring students, and actively contributing to undergraduate student recruitment initiatives.
• Undertaking continuous professional development (CPD) and participating in staff development activities.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential

1. Applicants must possess a doctorate in Physics, or a closely related discipline and postdoctoral (or related postgraduate, or industrial) experience with specialisation in quantum optics, photonics or quantum communications, from an accredited university at time of appointment for this position.
2. A demonstrated potential to develop and sustain a leading research programme that will lead to original, high-quality research outputs and competitive funding bids, and supports the supervision of students at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level.
3. An ability to contribute towards teaching in core physics and engineering programmes and contribute to the development of new UG and PGT ones.
4. Record of published research appropriate to career stage and opportunity.
5. Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate constructively with colleagues, external partners, and stakeholders from a wide range of backgrounds, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment.
6. For appointment as Associate Professor: a strong track record of securing research funding as principal investigator.

Desirable

1. A track record of securing research funding and experience of PhD student supervision.
2. Prior successful teaching experience and demonstrated commitment to student success.
3. Demonstrated intercultural competence with diverse groups in research, teaching, and/or service.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Saturday 31 October 2026.

We expect interviews to commence early January 2027.

Interested candidates should electronically submit their application consisting of:

1) A cover letter, including a statement of which level (Assistant - Grade 8, or Associate - Grade 9) is desired. Grade 9 applicants are expected to have an outstanding track record of national and international distinction and leadership in research, including publications, income, awards, and PhD supervision, bringing external recognition and distinction to yourself and the University.

2) A current curriculum vitae

3) A 3-page (max.) research statement

4) A 2-page (max.) teaching statement

5) Complete contact information for at least three references

For further information regarding this position please contact IQN Hub Director Prof. Gerald Buller (G.Buller@hw.ac.uk) or Head of IPaQS Prof. Erik Gauger (E.Gauger@hw.ac.uk).

Please contact Amy Hamilton-Peters (a.hamilton-peters@hw.ac.uk) should you have any difficulties with your application process or have any questions.

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/

This is a campus-based role that is not suitable for remote working: Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and take part in face-to-face meetings & workshops with the collaborators of the project. We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part-time working and job share options.

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