Research Associate
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Posted on:
10 hours ago
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1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Role:Research Associate in Developing a Commercial Prototype Quantum Microscope with Controlled SensorSample Proximity.
Grade and Salary: Grade 7 37694 - 47389 per annum
FTE and working pattern: 1FTE 35hrs per week Monday Friday
Contract: 12 Months FTC
Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leaveplus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)
Purpose of Role.
We seek a talented and motivated scientist/engineer with interest in founding a start-up to lead quantum sensor prototyping and market research. The primary objective of this project is to design and develop an industrial-grade quantum sensing microscope prototype featuring ultra-precise sensor positioning technology. This advanced system will enable high-throughput nanoscale chemical and material analysis with unprecedented accuracy addressing critical needs in sectors such as semiconductors biotechnology and advanced materials.
A key aspect of the role involves conducting comprehensive market research to identify high-value application areas for the prototype. The successful candidate will collaborate with partners and consultants to refine and optimize the design in real industrial environments ensuring the technology is both technically robust and commercially viable.
This is a one-year funded project during which securing additional commercialization funding will be essential to support potential company incorporation and future growth. Therefore we seek an applicant who demonstrates strong motivation and commitment to the commercialization of quantum technologies alongside technical excellence and innovative thinking.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The key tasks of this project are to undertake research in the following areas:
- Propose develop and develop an industrial quantum microscope.
- Actively collaborate with partners consultants and potential customers for co-creation of the prototype.
- Intellectual property protection with a view to develop near and future market applications
- General tasks involve prototype building; analysis and interpretation of data; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; preparation of business documents (e.g. business plan pitch deck market analysis report); attend conferences and network events; scientific research.
To carry out the project to a high standard:
- Meeting planned milestones and deliverables.
- Reporting progress regularly to supervisors and partners 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.
To collaborate with partners within the project and others as appropriate:
- The project involves a close collaboration with industrial partners and consultants.
- The post holder will join the Quantum Photonics Laboratory and will be expected to work collaboratively and cooperatively in a team environment; this involves shared use of laboratory equipment (therefore effective communication between group members is essential) attending and giving periodic presentations to weekly group meetings.
- The post holder will be expected to maintain and develop collaborations with internal and external partners in the field with an open and collaborative spirit.
- The post holder is also expected to conduct market research and engage with potential customers.
Dissemination of results:
- 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 and business reports.
- Write a business proposal and develop a pitch deck based on conducted market research supported by a commercial champion.
Other duties:
- Understand the intellectual property landscape relevant to the project and seek to protect the methods and techniques developed during the project.
- The successful candidate will be expected to conduct and lead the prototyping and market research activities.
- Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities liaising with companies and external collaborators.
- Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration. Work with 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.
- The ideal candidate will have a strong theoretical understanding and an experimental background in one or more of the following fields: quantum sensing condensed-matter physics quantum optics and quantum information science preferentially with some previous expertise on spin control.
- The successful candidate is also expected to be involved in our outreach activities with roles that can be tuned to the specific preferences of the candidate but will involve for example interviews talks for the general public and preparation of experimental demonstrators.
Education Qualifications and Experience
Essential Criteria
- A PhD in physics electrical engineering or related subjects (or expected to be awarded a PhD soon)
- A sound grasp of photonics quantum mechanics qubit control.
- A demonstrated track-record (during a PhD degree or post-doctoral research) of:
- Construction and operation of optical and/or microwave setups
- Experimental work on quantum technology preferably with solid-state qubits at cryogenic temperature
- Development of physical models to understand experimental data
- Primary author contributions to peer-reviewed journals
- Experience of programming ( C plus plus or Python or MATLAB) for data acquisition and analysis.
- A record of high-quality publications as appropriate for the stage in career and evidence of contribution to the writing of these publications proportionate to opportunity.
- Ability to articulate research work both in technical reports / papers and by oral presentation
- Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative
- Evidence of research ability: problem solving flexibility
- Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt and more widely with the collaborators at other Universities
- Experience in translating research into practical applications; familiarity with technology commercialisation IP and startup environments; proactive mindset with problem-solving and initiative.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams and engage with academic and industrial stakeholders.
- Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively.
- Experience in public presentations of scientific results (e.g. conference talks)
- Motivation energy and enthusiasm for commercialization deep technology.
Desirable Criteria
- Good understanding of spin control and/or NMR/EPR techniques
- Some expertise in nanofabrication e.g. for fabricating diamond membranes
- Experience in leading the writing of scientific papers.
- Evidence of ability subject to opportunity to guide other researchers e.g. PhD students and undergraduate project students.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Thursday 19th February 2026.
Informal enquiries may be made to Prof Samer Kurdi
Pleasesubmit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment.
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.
About our Team
We offer a post-doctoral position related for commercialising a quantum sensor. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team at Heriot-Watt University focused on translating cutting-edge quantum research into real-world applications. Our group conducts cutting-edge research towards quantum technologies based on single photons and single spins at the interface between quantum optics and condensed matter physics. Our work focuses on different material platforms from III-V quantum dots to atomic monolayers beyond graphene to diamond and silicon carbide. We have recently initiated a new research direction towards using individual spins in diamond as very sensitive magnetic probes for probing spin and charge transport in quantum materials.
The team manages state-of-the-art laboratories for quantum sensing quantum optics and high-resolution laser spectroscopy of quantum emitters at room and cryogenic temperatures radio-frequency control of electronic/nuclear spins facilities for the fabrication and characterisation of novel optoelectronic / quantum devices.
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.
Required Experience:
IC
Key Skills
- Laboratory Experience
- ELISA
- Immunoassays
- Mammalian Cell Culture
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Research Experience
- Cell Culture
- Molecular Biology
- Microscopy
- Research Laboratory Experience
- Western Blot
About Company
Impact Solutions- UKAS & ISO 17025 independent test laboratory (no 0402)& innovation centre. Plastics + material expertise, sustainability R&D
