Job Description

Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Quantum Matter

Contract Type: Full time (35 hours per week), Fixed term for 8 months

Grade and Salary: Grade 7 - £38,448 - £48,337 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 Research Associate working in this post will have the task of generating data for systems of low-dimensional correlated quantum matter, both in equilibrium as well as outside of it, in particular for systems with superconducting properties, using both the Symmetric Tensor (SyTen) as well as the Algorithms for Lattice Fermions (ALF) software packages, as specified by the PI.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct and disseminate original research aligned with the project and in collaboration with the team
• Work closely with senior decision makers in the industry to enable a programme of work and the measurement of this
• Support the work of the team as needed
• Contribute to outreach and impact engagement activities of the project
• Identify appropriate sources of funding and help prepare research proposals for funding bodies
• Demonstrate initiative in making routine decisions in order to manage and achieve project deliverables and deadlines
• Participate in, and develop, networks and collaborations both internally and externally to the Division/School /University
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

1. PhD in relevant discipline (or close to successful completion)

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

1. Extended experience with the Symmetric Tensor (SyTen) and Algorithms for Lattice Fermions (ALF) software packages
2. Extended experience working with low-dimensional many-body quantum systems, and especially those with dominant superconducting correlations
3. Extended experience in mapping superconducting systems to periodic Kondo- and Anderson-lattices
4. Proficient use of Microsoft software (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook) and statistical software (R) for the analysis of quantitative data
5. Experience of experimental data collection
6. Strong organisational, data management, and data analysis skills
7. Evidence of self-motivation and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
8. Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
9. Ability to set and meet deadlines
10. Demonstrable ability to identify problems and propose solutions
11. Flexibility and enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and develop new skills

Desirable Criteria

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

1. Evidence of success in delivering on externally funded research projects
2. Evidence or knowledge to support international activities
3. Evidence of a basic knowledge of the Higher Education context and regulatory framework

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Monday 12th October 2026.

Please submit your CV via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system.

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.