Research Associate in Single-Photon Detection and Sensor Fusion

Heriot-Watt University; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed research institution in the UK is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to work on groundbreaking research in single-photon detection technologies. The successful candidate will lead experiments, collaborated closely with a dynamic team, and contribute to the advancement of quantum imaging research. Candidates should possess a PhD in Physics or a related field, have hands-on experience with single-photon detection, and strong communication skills. This full-time role offers competitive pay and substantial benefits.

Benefits

33 days annual leave

Access to collaborative research networks

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong theoretical understanding and experimental background in optoelectronics.
• Experience with single-photon avalanche diode detector arrays.
• Hands-on experimental work experience.

Responsibilities

• Devise and perform experiments with colleagues.
• Write research reports and publications.
• Assist in developing student research skills.

Skills

Research skills

Data analysis

Communication skills

Teamwork

Creativity

Education

PhD in Physics or relevant area

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Free-space optics

Job description

Job Description

Directorate: School of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Grade: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389

Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (12 Months)

Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday) for all full time staff. Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University

About our Team

Our team at Heriot-Watt University have a long-standing track record in researching ground-breaking single-photon technologies and techniques for several applications in single-photon imaging. We achieved several milestones, including the first demonstration of quantum detection technologies for high resolution underwater 3D imaging (2015), the first demonstration of CMOS SPAD detector array for underwater single-photon imaging (2019), the first demonstration of real-time single-photon imaging in free space and in water, and the first fully submersible transceiver system based on a planar CMOS SPAD detector array (2023).

Our group has extensive laboratories facilities, including space within a collaborative facility leveraging the skills and technologies of local EPSRC Quantum Sensing, Imaging, and Timing (QuSIT) Hub, EPSRC Quantum Enhance Position Navigation and Timing (QEPNT) Hub, and EPSRC Integrated Quantum Network (IQN) Hub colleagues. 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 drive the research on sensor fusion with singlephoton detection technologies within the EPSRC QuSIT Hub, playing a pivotal role in the UK's future imaging research using quantum technologies.

Detailed Description

The PDRA will investigate aspects of single-photon detector arrays for several applications, with particular attention to imaging. Both passive and active techniques will be investigated to develop novel detection systems for sensor fusion in extreme low-light conditions.

The contract is for an initial 12 month period, with a good chance of follow-up funding.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder is required to;

• Work with colleagues and line manager to devise and perform experiments, modelling and analysis consistent with the goals of the project.
• Write research reports and publications. Analyse and interpret the results of own research and generate original ideas based on outcomes. Prepare proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g. for funding purposes. Use initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• Assist the development of student research skills, and be 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 research objectives and proposals for own or joint research with the assistance of a mentor, if required. 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 and participate in 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 and identify potential sources of funds.
• Provide guidance as required to support staff, research students and any other students who may be assisting with 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.
• We are looking for a creative and highly motivated researcher willing to work as part of a team.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong theoretical understanding and an experimental background in semiconductor optoelectronics or closely related field.
• Good communication skills and an appropriate publication record are essential.
• 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 include assistance in 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 the general public and preparation of experimental demonstrators.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria

• Possess and maintain sufficient breadth or depth of specialist discipline knowledge in imaging and or research methods and techniques to work in the area of imaging using single-photon techniques.
• Applicants should hold a PhD in Physics or a relevant area of electrical engineering. (Applicants should have submitted their 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 detector arrays
• 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.
• Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative.
• Experience in writing and managing peer-reviewed papers.
• Hands-on experimental work experience.
• Energy and enthusiasm for the project.

Desirable Criteria

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

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV

Applications can be submitted until midnight on Sunday 9th November 2025.

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-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ .

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.

Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.