Research Fellow in Experimental Quantum Technologies

University of South Hampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading university as a Research Fellow in Experimental Quantum Technologies and help shape the future of quantum communications. This full-time position offers the chance to work on cutting-edge quantum devices and collaborate with expertise from various fields. Contribute to an inclusive, supportive research environment committed to fostering diversity while advancing your own professional growth.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Flexible working arrangements

Professional growth initiatives

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in experimental quantum optics, atomic physics, or solid-state systems.
• Experience designing and operating complex photonic systems.
• Strong track record of research dissemination through publications.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to developing quantum light-matter interfaces.
• Setup and deliver portable quantum memory devices.
• Collaborate with national and international project partners.

Skills

Experimental quantum optics

Problem-solving

Collaboration in multidisciplinary teams

Education

PhD in Physics or closely related fields

Tools

Photonic systems

Job description

Research Fellow in Experimental Quantum Technologies

Scalable Quantum Devices for the Future Quantum Internet

We seek an outstanding experimental physicist to join the Hybrid Quantum Networks Lab (HQNL ) as part of the UK’s Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN ) Hub. You will contribute to building the foundations of the future quantum internet by developing efficient quantum light-matter interfaces that operate within the telecommunication bands.

You will play a key role in the setup and delivery of next-generation portable quantum memory devices based on room-temperature alkali vapours, which will interface with single photon sources, including those based on semiconductor quantum dots. There is also scope to extend these devices to quantum frequency transducers for interfacing with strontium ion photon emission in the near ultraviolet. You will work both independently and collaboratively with our team as well as with national and international project partners, with opportunities to travel and contribute to a vibrant quantum technologies ecosystem.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and with a range of experiences. We encourage applications from researchers who are excited about this opportunity and ready to grow with our team. To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A PhD (or nearing completion) in Physics (e.g. atomic physics, quantum optics, or solid-state physics) or closely related fields.
• Proven expertise in experimental quantum optics, atomic physics, or solid-state systems.
• Experience designing and operating complex photonic systems, including free-space optics, fibre optics, integrated photonics, or cryogenic experiments.
• A strong track record of research dissemination through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Strong problem-solving skills, self-motivation, and ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive research environment.

This is a full-time fixed-term position for a 1.5-year duration (with potential for extension depending on funding).

About HQNL: We are an established experimental research group based in the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC ) at the University of Southampton . We investigate quantum light-matter interactions across a range of physical platforms to build large-scale, hybrid quantum networks. Our work spans rare-earth-ion-doped solids, alkali vapours, quantum dots, and nonlinear photonic media, aiming to integrate these systems for global-scale quantum communication and information processing.

The ORC is proud to hold an Athena SWAN Bronze Award, recognising our support for the advancement of women in science. Our diverse community spans over 49 nationalities, and we offer a range of initiatives to support personal and professional growth, including mentoring schemes, an Early Career Researchers Forum, and the Women in Optics group. We also offer flexible, hybrid, and part-time working arrangements to help meet individual needs.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Please upload your CV and cover letter in your application.

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on [phone] or [e-mail] quoting the job number.