Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Physics

Euraxess; North East; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate on the project 'Quantum networking at telecom wavelengths with Yb qubits'. You will work on a modular ytterbium tweezer-array platform, develop compact laser setups and cavity-enhanced interfaces.

The successful candidate will collaborate with Dr Tobias Franzen, contribute to experiments, supervise graduate students, and participate in grant proposals and teaching within the Physics Department.

Qualifications

• Ambitious and highly motivated researcher with a background in AMO physics, quantum optics, or related fields.
• Ability to work closely with project leadership and collaborators across national and international teams.
• Willingness to supervise graduate students and contribute to undergraduate teaching.

Responsibilities

• Take an active role in all aspects of the project and contribute directly to the experiment.
• Collaborate with Dr Tobias Franzen and international partners to realise project goals.
• Supervise graduate students and contribute to teaching within the Department.

Job description

Organisation/Company DURHAM UNIVERSITY Research Field Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 15 Nov 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Role

We are recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate on the project 'Quantum networking at telecom wavelengths with Yb qubits'. The research project is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and led by EPSRC Quantum Technology fellow Dr Tobias Franzen. The project aims to develop a key technology for future quantum networks by combining arrays of single Yb atoms as a leading qubit platform with long-distance quantum networking over existing telecom fibre infrastructure. Possible applications include the scaling of neutral-atom quantum computing through distributed computing, as well as new tests of fundamental physics, such as exploring the interplay of general relativity and quantum mechanics through experiments with entangled clocks separated in space.

To realise this vision, we are working on a modular ytterbium tweezer-array platform, compact laser setups, and cavity-enhanced atom-photon interfaces for efficient remote entanglement generation over telecom-wavelength optical fibre links.

We are seeking an ambitious and highly motivated researcher with a background in AMO physics, quantum optics, or related fields. The successful applicant will work closely with Dr Tobias Franzen to realise the projects goals. They will be expected to take an active role in all aspects of the project, contributing directly to the experiment and working with national and international collaborators, undergraduate and graduate students, other members of the research group and technical staff.

The post holder will be expected to display the initiative, creativity, skills and knowledge required to advance the project. They need to work effectively both independently and as part of a small research team to solve technical and scientific challenges. It is expected that the successful applicant will enhance the international contacts of the group through the presentation of work at international conferences. The post holder will also be expected to aid in the supervision of graduate students within the group as well as contributing to the undergraduate teaching within the Department.

The postdoctoral researcher will have opportunities to develop scientific leadership, build international collaborations, contribute to grant proposals and supervise students.