Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Sensing with Molecular Spin Qubits

University of Glasgow; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vibrant team

State-of-the-art experimental Capabil.

World-class collaborators

Career development

Job summary

University of Glasgow invites applications for a research role developing quantum sensing with molecular spin qubits. The successful candidate will deploy spin-optical measurements and advance measurement capabilities, targeting room-temperature operation and nanoscale sensing with collaborations across physics, chemistry and engineering.

You will lead experimental work, publish findings, mentor students, and contribute to grant applications while expanding the project into new sensing

Qualifications

• PhD in physics/chemistry/materials science/engineering or related field.
• Experience with spin systems and their control (spin resonance, solid-state defects).
• Strong record of publications and presentations in peer‑reviewed venues.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and conduct of research aligned with project goals.
• Document data, analysis and progress; draft papers and reports.
• Collaborate with collaborators; manage research activities and mentorship.

Skills

Self-motivation / independence

Research excellence

Communication skills

Collaborative ability

Project planning / time management

Education

PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, or engineering

Job description

Overview

Molecular spins combine the coherence, optical readout, and room-temperature operation of solid-state spin qubits with the atomistic tunability and nanoscale modularity of synthetic chemistry. You will use this combination to develop a new class of quantum sensors for biosensing and nanoscale magnetic resonance.

Background

Optically addressable spins—most prominently the nitrogen-vacancy centre in diamond—have demonstrated the promise of spin-based quantum-sensing, e.g., sub-cellular magnetic-resonance spectroscopy under ambient conditions. However, quantum sensing involves a delicate balance: coherence thrives far from external influences, while proximity and strong interactions with targets optimise their detection.

Molecular spins offer a compelling balance of such demands. At ~1 nm size, they open unprecedented target proximity, and chemical techniques allow them to be attached to desired locations, engineered for stronger coupling to sensing fields, and tuned atom-by-atom. We have established such systems as a distinctive quantum-sensing platform [see e.g., Phys. Rev. Lett. 133, 120801 (2024); JACS 147, 22911 (2025); MRS Bulletin 51, 312 (2026); arXiv:2510.09440; chemRxiv.15004718].

The role

You will deploy advanced spin-optical measurements—including pulsed optically detected magnetic resonance—on molecular spins in both ground and excited states. You will advance their capabilities for nanoscale measurement and control, enhanced couplings to sensing fields, room-temperature operation, and deployment as practical quantum probes. You will focus on quantum measurement, with molecules synthesised by collaborators.

What we offer

• Vibrant team*—more than ten researchers spanning physics, chemistry, quantum engineering, and materials science.
• State-of-the-art experimental capabilities*—including single-spin confocal pulsed ODMR from 4-300 K.
• World-class collaborators*—including at Imperial, Cambridge, Tokyo, with opportunities for lab visits.
• Career development*—conference travel, support for independent Fellowship applications, PhD-student co-supervision.

What we’re looking for

• A PhD in physics/chemistry/materials science/engineering/a related discipline.
• Experimental experience with spin systems and their control—e.g., spin resonance, solid-state defects.
• See below for further details

We particularly welcome applications from candidates from groups historically under-represented in STEM, and are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and flexible working environment.

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to a project Developing Quantum Sensing with Molecular Spin Qubits working with Dr. Sam Bayliss. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/ School/ Research Group, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
4. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
5. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
6. Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.
7. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).
8. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.
9. Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
10. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
11. Make a leading contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.
12. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
13. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
14. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.
15. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential:

• A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD, or to obtain before starting the post) in a topic aligned with this position (e.g., physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, or a related discipline), plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.
• A2 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism including current issues and future directions.
• A3 Excellent and demonstrable practical and theoretical project-specific skills.This should include a suitable selection from: spin systems and their control, molecular photophysics.

Skills

Essential:

• C1 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.
• C2 Ability to demonstrate self-motivation, initiative, and independence in thought and work, suitable to the project, for example, as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.
• C3 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.
• C4 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
• C5 Appropriate capacity for research creativity and cross-discipline collaboration.

Experience

Essential:

• E1 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience appropriate to an early career researcher.
• E2 Sufficient and demonstrable project-specific experience. This should include a suitable selection from: spin systems and their control, molecular photophysics.
• E3 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality publications/conferences.
• E4 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.
• E5 Experience in undertaking independent research.
• E6 Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.
• E7 Commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Sam Bayliss at [e-mail]

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week), and has funding available for up to 3 years in the first instance. Relocation assistant will be provided where appropriate.

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1. 1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2. 2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/
3. 3 A flexible approach to working.
4. 4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing Date: 17 September 2026 at 23:45pm