Research Associate

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

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development and subject-m

Leading-edge research

Contributing to the work and purpose

Job summary

The University of Edinburgh invites applications for a Research Associate (Grade UE07) to work on the RubberDUQ project within the Quantum Software Lab. The role focuses on developing mathematical foundations and practical tools for hybrid quantum–classical programming, with responsibilities spanning category theory, programming language semantics, and compiler design.

This fixed-term post is full-time (35 hours per week) for 12 months, with a salary in the £41,064–£48,822 range.

Qualifications

• Experience conducting research in categorical semantics, programming language theory, compilers, or quantum computing.
• Proven expertise in mathematical or software techniques such as category theory, formal semantics, or compiler implementation.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics.

Responsibilities

• Develop mathematical foundations and practical tools for hybrid quantum–classical programming.
• Work on the RubberDUQ project within the Quantum Software Lab, applying category theory and language semantics.
• Collaborate with the project team and with academic and industrial partners.

Skills

Categorical semantics experience

Programming language theory

Compilers

Quantum computing

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics

Job description

Grade UE07: £41,064.00 - £48,822.00 Per Annum

College of Science and Engineering/ School of Informatics

Full Time: 35 hours per week.

Fixed term contract: 12 months, Until 31/12/2027.

The Opportunity:

Together we can do great things. Be part of something bigger.With roles from hospitality to research,there’sa career for everyone at the University of Edinburgh. We can offer opportunities for you to develop in your career and make a real difference in the communities around us while contributing to the world at large.

The University of Edinburgh is a world-class organisation. We look for the best in the field across all disciplines and provide a working environment where academics can develop their careers and passion for their chosen subject area. We offer the full range of academic roles and have a genuine focus on our student’s performance and wellbeing.

The successful candidate will work on the RubberDUQ project within the Quantum Software Lab, developing mathematical foundations and practical tools for hybrid quantum-classical programming. The project uses categorical semantics to give quantum programs, including their interaction with classical control and measurement, a precise meaning, and turns that meaning into compilers and optimisations that are correct by construction. Depending on the candidate's background, the work may range from category theory and programming language semantics to compiler design and implementation. The Research Associate will collaborate with the project team and with QSL's academic and industrial partners. This post is advertised as full-time.

People have always been at the heart of our work. As part of the University, you are a part of our community. We are looking for people with drive, determination, and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful/personalised flexibility for you.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics).
• The following criteria are not strict yes/no requirements; rather, candidates will be assessed on the strength of their experience and evidence across these areas. Recruitment will aim to select the candidates demonstrating the strongest overall profile.
• Experience conducting research in one or more of: categorical semantics, programming language theory, compilers, or quantum computing.
• Proven expertise in the mathematical or software techniques required to undertake the proposed research, such as category theory, formal semantics, or compiler implementation.
• Evidence of high-quality research performance (e.g., publications, technical reports, software contributions, or comparable outputs).
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, both verbally and in writing.

Contact details for enquiries (name and email address):

Prof. Chris Heunen, [e-mail]

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:

• Professional development and subject matter expertise
• Leading-edge research
• Contributing to the work and purpose of the University.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

View the full job description (opens in a new browser tab)

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

• A competitive salary.
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits.

Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab).

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

Please note if the role is offered on a part-time basis, it may result in sponsorship beingdependentona number offactors specific to the successful applicant or the role no longer meeting the Home Office’s criteria for sponsorship.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 4 November 2026.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

Interview dates to be confirmed.