Research Associate / Senior Research Associate for Advanced Quantum Networking x 2 positions available

University of Bristol; West of England; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Bristol's Smart Internet Lab invites applications for two positions: Research Associate and Senior Research Associate in advanced quantum networking. You will design and build quantum-network systems across lab, metro, and national testbeds, focusing on entanglement distribution over fibre infrastructure.

Collaboration with academic and industrial partners is essential. Ideal candidates hold an honours degree and a PhD or equivalent research experience, with proven expertise in

Qualifications

• Honours degree (or equivalent) and a PhD completed or nearing completion.
• Experimental experience in quantum communications, quantum optics, photonics, optical communications or closely related area.
• Practical skills in constructing, aligning, integrating and troubleshooting optical, fibre-optic and/or single-photon systems.
• Sound understanding of quantum entanglement and quantum networking.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and demonstrate quantum-network systems across lab, metropolitan and national-scale testbeds.
• Investigate Bell-state measurements, entanglement swapping, quantum teleportation and feed-forward control where relevant.
• Deliver experiments, field trials, milestones, publications and reports while maintaining rigorous records.

Skills

Quantum communications

Quantum optics

Photonics

Single-photon systems

Education

Honours degree

PhD (completed or nearing completion)

Tools

Optical lab equipment

Fibre-optic testing

Job description

Research Associate / Senior Research Associate for Advanced Quantum Networking x 2 positions available

Join the University of Bristol’s Smart Internet Lab to develop next-generation entanglement-based quantum networks, focusing on scalable, reconfigurable entanglement distribution over fibre infrastructure. You will work with our quantum-networking team and academic and industrial partners across projects including, but not limited to, the EPSRC Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub, National Dark Fibre Facility (NDFF), Platform Driving The Ultimate Connectivity(TITAN).

Appointment will be at Research Associate (Grade I) or Senior Research Associate (Grade J), depending on experience and track record.

What will you be doing?

You will design, build and demonstrate quantum-network systems across laboratory, metropolitan and, where appropriate, national-scale testbeds. Research includes entangled-photon sources, single-photon detection, optical switching, wavelength routing, timing and synchronisation, and network monitoring and control. Where relevant, you will investigate Bell-state measurements, entanglement swapping, quantum teleportation and feed-forward control.

Working collaboratively, you will deliver experiments, field trials, project milestones, publications and reports, and maintain safe laboratory practice and rigorous experimental records. At Grade J, you will take significant research initiative, develop techniques and methodologies, mentor less-experienced researchers and contribute to new research proposals.

You should apply if

You have a relevant honours degree (or equivalent) and a relevant PhD (completed or nearing completion), or research experience equivalent to a PhD. You bring experimental experience in quantum communications, quantum optics, photonics, optical communications or a closely related area; practical skills in constructing, aligning, integrating and troubleshooting optical, fibre-optic and/or single-photon systems; and a sound understanding of quantum entanglement and quantum networking.

You communicate clearly, work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, and can organise and prioritise research activities. Grade J applicants should additionally demonstrate independent experimental planning, complex data analysis, initiative and high-quality research outputs, alongside experience communicating research and developing collaborations. Please see the full job description for grade-specific criteria.

Additional information

To find out more about what it's like to work in the Faculty of Engineering, and how the Faculty supports people to achieve their potential, please see our staff blog:

Position 1 - open-ended with fixed funding until 31/03/2028/ possibility of extension

Position 2 – open-ended with fixed funding until 31/12/2027/ possibility of extension

Work pattern: Full time/35 hours per week

Grade: Grade I / J (subject to experience) Pathway 2

School/Unit: School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering (EEME)

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Monday 9th November 2026

The interviews are anticipated to take place week commencing Monday 16th November 2026

Dr Rui Wang, Associate Professor in Future Networks : [e-mail]

Alex Williams, Project Coordinator: [e-mail]

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