Research Associate in Quantum Sensing and Imaging

Research Associatein Quantum Sensing and Imaging

Grade:Grade 7 (37694 - 46389)

Contract Type:2 position - Full Time Fixed Term (1 x 6 months & 1 x 18 months)

Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday) for allfull timestaff. Use our total rewards calculator: see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

About ourTeam

Our teamat Heriot-WattUniversityhave a longstandingtrack recordin researching ground-breakingsingle-photon technologies and techniques for severalapplications in single-photon goal is to develop next-generation single-photon optics and computational imaging systems based on the latest classical and quantum technologies. We use advanced cameras optical detection technology and computational methods to improve the quality of imaging systems in a range of applications. Areas where our technology is relevant include autonomous vehicles consumer electronics defence and optical communication.

Our group hasextensivelaboratoriesfacilities including space within a collaborative facilityleveragingthe skills and technologies ofEPSRCsQuantumSensingImaging and Timing (QuSIT)HubandEPSRCsQuantum-EnhancedPosition Navigation and Timing(QEPNT)Hubs. Furthermore we have a global network of fellow world-leading researchers - offering the possibility of exchanges and collaborations. Access to these resources will allow a motivated candidate to drivetheresearch onsensor fusion withsinglephotondetection technologieswithinthe EPSRCQuSITHub playing a pivotal role in the UKs futureimaging research using quantum technologies.

Purpose of Role

The PDRA will investigate aspects ofsingle-photondetectorsapplied to nonlinear quantum microscopes. The goal will be to build a scanning confocal nonlinear microscope toprovide high-resolution microscope images of biological samples illuminated in the short-wave infrared but detected with silicon-based detectors used in the visible spectrum oflight.

Key Duties andResponsibilities

The post holderis requiredto;

• Work with colleagues and line manager to devise and perform experimentsmodellingand analysis consistent withthe goals of the project
• Writeresearch reports and publications. Analyse and interpret the results of own research and generate original ideas basedon outcomes. Prepare proposals and applications to external bodies e.g. for funding purposes. Use initiative and creativity toidentifyareas for research develop new researchmethodsand extend the research portfolio
• Assistthe development of student researchskills andbe expected to contribute to the assessment of student knowledge(particularly PhD students)in the context of teaching and supervision duties. Could be expected to contribute to specialist courses such as research methods and equipment
• Develop researchobjectivesand proposals for own or joint research with theassistanceof a mentor ifrequired. Conduct individual and collaborative research projects making use of relevant research techniques and methods. Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences and/or other appropriate media. Continue 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 andparticipatein 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 andidentifypotential sources of funds
• Provide guidance asrequiredto support staff research students and any other students who may beassistingwith 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
• General tasks will involve scientific research; analysis and interpretation of data; daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; preparation of scientific papers; presentation of research at conferences
• The successful candidate will be expected to conduct and lead their own experiments whilst also supervising the activities of junior group members and PhD students
• Responsibilities will also includeassistancein the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities liaising with companies and external collaborators
• 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 thegeneral publicand preparation of experimental demonstrators
  

Education Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria

• Possess andmaintainsufficient breadth or depth of specialist discipline knowledgein imagingand or research methods and techniquesto workinthe area ofimaging specificallyusing single-photon techniques
• Possess andmaintainsufficient breadth or depth of specialist discipline knowledgein nonlinear optics and the use of nonlinear crystals for the generation of parametricdownconversion
• Applicants should hold a PhD in Physics or a relevant area of electrical engineering. (Applicants should havesubmittedtheir PhD thesis first draft by the start date.)
• Strong theoretical understanding and thorough grounding in experimental techniques relevant to the project
• 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.
• Experience with single-photon avalanche diode detectors
• Working knowledge of free-space optics optical instrumentation and practical optical design
• Experience of programming for data acquisition (e.g. MATLAB Phyton C/C++) analysis of data and interfacing with multiple parts of equipment

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with imaging systems
• Experiencein stereo vision and photogrammetry
• Experience in industry or collaborating with industry
• Experience of research-student supervision
• Experience with CAD software

How to Apply

Pleasesubmitby midnight on Friday 27th of March 2026 via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system: 1) Cover letter describing your suitability for the post and a short statement about research interests 2) Full CV including list of publications.

For any enquiries about this position please contact Professor Jonathan Leach @

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.

Heriot-WattUniversity is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected trained promotedappraisedand otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-WattUniversity values diversity across ourUniversitycommunity and welcomes applications from all sectors of society particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information please see our website alsoour award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers our total rewards calculator: see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.