13471- Research Associate

University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university in Scotland seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher focused on quantum hardware security for a cutting-edge project in quantum cloud computing. Candidates with a PhD or nearing completion in related fields like Physics or Computer Science are especially encouraged to apply. The project offers a dynamic research environment with opportunities for significant collaboration and impact in the growing field of quantum technology.

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Strong background in quantum cryptography and quantum information.
• Proven expertise in techniques relevant to the research.

Responsibilities

• Develop new quantum hardware-based primitives that are provably secure on quantum devices.
• Security analysis of the quantum HSM and related resources.
• Design new quantum-secure protocols for multi-party quantum computing.

Skills

Quantum cryptography

Security analysis

Quantum information

Communication skills

Education

PhD or near completion in related field

Job description

Grade UE07: £41,064- $48,822 per annum

College of Science & Engineering, School of Informatics

Full Time: 35 hours per week

Fixed Term: 12 months

The Opportunity

The School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher (Research Associate) in areas including quantum cryptography, cryptanalysis, hardware security and quantum hardware modules, for a QuantERA project: “Hardware Security Module for secure delegated Quantum Cloud Computing” (HSM-QCC, link: https://quantera.eu/hsm-qcc/). The project aims at developing an independent trusted execution module capable of ensuring secure quantum computing in a cloud environment. The consortium includes several universities and industry partners in Europe, and the University of Edinburgh team, led by PI, Dr. Myrto Arapinis, and CoI, Dr. Mina Doosti, will work mainly on protocol design and security analysis. This role is also part of Quantum Software Lab (QSL, link: https://www.quantumsoftwarelab.com), in collaboration with the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC, link: https://www.nqcc.co.uk). QSL, is the leading place for theoretical quantum research in the UK, and currently comprises approximately 50 core members, including eight permanent staff, under the leadership of Prof. Elham Kashefi, Personal Chair in Quantum Computing and the Chief Scientist at the NQCC.

We strongly encourage applications from female researchers, minority ethnic groups, first generation academics/STEM and other underrepresented groups in academia. We also are very open to applications from those with non-traditional career paths, including those with family, caring or health career breaks, or those who have moved to academia from a career in another sector.

Responsibilities

• Developing new quantum hardware-based primitives that are provably secure and efficiently implementable on small and medium-scale quantum devices.
• Security analysis of the existing quantum HSM and resources designed and implemented during the project.
• Designing new practical and quantum-secure protocols for the multi-party verifiable secure quantum computing.

The successful candidate will also be actively involved with the collaborators and project partners, attend the consortium meetings, and take part in the communication and reporting of the project. The candidate will have the opportunity to engage in an international research environment and a European scale project, as well as engage with experimental labs and industry partners.

Your Skills and Attributes for Success

• PhD (or near completion) in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field.
• Candidates must have a strong background in quantum cryptography, security analysis and quantum information.
• Proven expertise in the techniques needed to undertake the research in question.
• Demonstrated quality of research performance.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, orally and in writing.