Research Fellow

University of Strathclyde; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to develop quantum algorithms for Chemical Reaction Networks on quantum hardware. The role focuses on graph-based mappings for neutral atom quantum computers, with potential expansion to other platforms, and involves independent and collaborative research under Professor Jonathan Pritchard.

You will publish in high-impact journals, seek external funding, and lead a small research team while

Qualifications

• PhD level education with expertise in quantum algorithms or quantum simulation.
• Strong track record of publications in high quality venues.
• Experience in proposing and securing external research funding and supervising staff.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on quantum algorithms for CRNs.
• Develop mapping and simulations to benchmark quantum annealing and hybrid methods.
• Mentor students and manage a research team, and engage with external partners.

Skills

Quantum algorithms

Quantum simulation

Team leadership

Education

PhD

Job description

Research Fellow in Quantum Algorithms for Chemical Reaction Networks (828923)

FTE: 1 (35 hours/week)

Contract type: Fixed Term (12 months)

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to develop algorithms suitable for solving Chemical ReactionNetworks (CRNs) on quantum computing hardware within the quantum computing team led by Professor JonathanPritchard at the University of Strathclyde. Working closely with an industrial end-user with expertise in quantum algorithms,and chemistry, this collaboration will design and numerically benchmark algorithms targeting new approaches to solvingCRNs, with a focus on application of annealing based quantum optimisation methods.

Initially this will target analysis of graph-based algorithms suitable for neutral atom quantum computers, given their potentialscalability, and availability of hardware offering qubit coherence times much longer than the relevant annealing timescales,with scope to explore relevance to other hardware platforms such as superconducting qubit annealers that offer differenttopologies for qubit connectivity. Specifically, this project will investigate solution of simplified CRN problems bydevelopment of suitable mapping to allow encoding onto quantum hardware, and performing numerical simulations to assessthe performance of direct quantum annealing as well as hybrid quantum-classical approaches.

As a Research Fellow, you will engage as an independent researcher in individual and collaborative research, establishing adistinctive programme of research and disseminating results through regular publications in high impact journals, books andconference proceedings. You will apply, as Principal Investigator and/or Co-Investigator, to appropriate external bodies forresearch funding and manage grants awarded. You will manage a research team (students and staff), providing direction,support and guidance and you will participate in and develop external networks to foster research collaborations, to informthe development of research objectives and to identify potential sources of funding. You will develop knowledge exchangeactivities by, for example, establishing research links with industry and influencing public policy and the professions and youwill collaborate with colleagues to ensure that research advances inform departmental teaching effort, including contributingto relevant teaching programmes as appropriate. You will carry out Department/School, Faculty and/or Universityadministrative and management functions, for example through membership of committees and engage in continuousprofessional development.

To be considered for the role, you will be educated to a minimum of PhD level with expertise in quantum algorithms,quantum simulation, or have significant relevant experience in addition to a relevant degree. You will have research interestsconsistent with the strategic direction of the Department/School, a body of published research in high quality publicationsdemonstrating standards of excellence, and an ability to develop research proposals and to attract funding and researchstudents, as appropriate to the discipline, including experience of contributing to grant applications. You will have an abilityto plan and organise research programmes, to ensure successful completion and you will have experience of planning andorganising workloads, including the ability to supervise and delegate work. You will have an ability to work within a teamenvironment and to lead teams and excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to listen, engage andpersuade, and to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of audiences.

This post is funded through an externally funded research programme. Due to the nature of the fundingand associated eligibility requirements, applications will only be considered from UK nationals who meetthe essential criteria for the role. This restriction applies solely to comply with the funder's conditions andrelevant regulatory requirements.

The Department of Physics

The position will be hosted in the Department of Physics which is internationally recognised for its research excellence,industrial engagement and first-class teaching programmes. The department is world-leading in quantum technologyresearch, with active programmes across quantum computing, sensing, timing and simulation spanning fundamental scienceto applied studies.The successful candidate will join the Neutral Atom Quantum Computing team within the Ultracold-Matter and QuantumTechnologies Group. While the primary focus will be the delivery of the project, successful candidates will join a vibrantteam working across a range of quantum computing approaches including weighted graph optimisation and error correction,with opportunities for career development through and potentially beyond the fix-term of the post.The post will be available from Autumn 2026.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof. Jonathan Pritchard ([e-mail]).

Research Fellow in Quantum Algorithms for Chemical Reaction Networks (828923)