Postdoctoral Research Associate in Optical Ground Station Technology for Satellite Optical and Quantum Communications

Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Optical Ground Station Technology for Satellite Optical and Quantum Communications

Directorate: The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Salary: Grade

Contract Type:Full Time (1FTE) Fixed Term for 18 months

Rewards and Benefits:33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). Use our total rewards calculator: to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

About our Team

At Heriot-Watt Universitys Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences our research lab is pioneering the future of secure global communications through quantum and optical technologies. Led by Associate Professor Dr Ross Donaldson we focus on the practical implementation of satellite-based quantum key distribution (QKD) and high-bandwidth free-space optical communications.

Our team plays a central role in the Quantum Communications Hub and Integrated Quantum Network Hub where we lead the design development and operation of the Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS)a 2.5M facility located at Heriot-Watts Research Park in Edinburgh. HOGS is equipped with a 70 cm reflective telescope adaptive optics and single-photon detectors enabling quantum-encrypted satellite communications and advanced space debris tracking. The station is integrated into a dark fibre network creating a living lab for hybrid quantum-optical networks and future 6G technologies.

We are actively engaged in collaborative missions including the UKs SPOQC demonstrator and Canadas QEYSSat and maintain strong links with ESA NASAs Jet Propulsion Lab and industry partners through multiple Innovate UK projects.

Selected Publications

• Towards combined quantum bit detection and spatial tracking using an arrayed single-photon sensor Optics Express 2021
• Feasibility of quantum key distribution from high altitude platforms Quantum Sci. Technol. 2021
• Quantum bit error rate timing jitter dependency on multi-mode fibers Optics Express 2023

Our work addresses real-world challenges in deploying quantum technologies from mitigating background noise in free-space links to developing robust photonic devices for next-gen services. We welcome collaborations across academia and industry and offer opportunities for MSc PhD and PDRA candidates passionate about shaping the quantum future.

Detailed Description

Join a cutting-edge research initiative at the forefront of quantum communications and photonic sensing. This Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position is part of the EPSRC-funded Integrated Quantum Network (IQN) Hub a national quantum technology hub featuring >12 university partners and >20 industrial supporters.

The PDRA will lead Heriot-Watts technical contributions working within a dynamic team that operates the UKs most advanced optical ground station for quantum and free-space optical communications. You will conduct live measurements with in-orbit quantum satellites have access to and implement advanced adaptive optics and quantum detector and memory technologies and collaborate with industrial organisations.

Youll have access to world-class infrastructure including:

• The Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS) at Heriot-Watt featuring a 70 cm telescope adaptive optics and single-photon detectors.
• A dark fibre network for hybrid quantum-optical experiments.
• Advanced lab facilities for photonic device testing and system integration.
• Advanced 2D Single-photon counting array technology

Were looking for a motivated researcher with a strong background in experimental quantum optics photonics or optical communications eager to push the boundaries of secure global connectivity.

The initial contract is for 18 months but there are options to extend to 24+ months.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder is required to;

• Work with colleagues and line manager to devise and perform the work consistent with the goals of the project.
• Write research reports and publications based on the outputs of the work. Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences and/or other appropriate 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.
• Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration. Work with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest and contribute to collaborative decision making. Join external networks to share information and identify potential sources of funds.
• Provide guidance as required to support staff research students and any other students who may be assisting with the research.
• Contribute under supervision to the planning of research projects including the development of new grant/contract proposals. Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.
• The ideal candidate will have had previous hands on experience with optoelectronic components such as; laser diode sources intensity modulators phase modulators single-photon detectors and fibre-optics.
• Good communication skills and an appropriate publication record are essential.
• General tasks will involve; construction and testing of an optoelectronic components and quantum optical systems; collaborating with local researchers on the lab-based experiment; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; reporting to the supervisor and project lead.
• The role will involve working at night to conduct experiments with ongoing in-orbit missions; it is expected the PDRA would contribute to these measurements.
• The successful candidate will be expected to conduct and lead the work.
• Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities liaising with companies and external collaborators.

Education Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria

• Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant area. (Applicants should have submitted their PhD thesis first draft by the start date.)
• 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 University and more widely with the collaborators at other Universities and industrial partners.
• Willingness and ability to conduct night measurements.
• Working knowledge and extensive hands-on experience of; practical quantum communications optical communications telescopes and field work.

Desirable Criteria

• Additional working knowledge of; adaptive optics superconducting nanowire technology quantum memories or optical communication systems.
• Experience in industry or collaborating with industry on an R&D project.
• A candidate with ambitions to work in industry or an applied research lab.

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter (2) Full CV

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

We expect interviews to take place the w/c 9th February 2026.

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.

Heriot-WattUniversity 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-WattUniversity 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 also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers our total rewards calculator: see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.