Research Assistant / Associate in Quantum Technologies

Job Description

Job Purpose

Research Assistant/Associate position in the Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering Division at the University of Glasgow. The successful candidate will contribute to a project focused on developing next generation hardware for quantum technologies, including quantum circuits with superconductors/semiconductors, logic components, chip scale photon sources, and quantum memories, and advancing their large scale integration.

The role will address key challenges in scalability and stability for quantum communication and quantum computing. You will have access to world class facilities at the Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering Division, Centre for Quantum Technology, and the state of the art nanofabrication facilities at the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre (JWNC) of the University of Glasgow.

The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the daily supervision of PhD students within the team, formulate and submit research publications and research proposals, and help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and research strategy.
• Document research output, including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, and drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
• Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals.
• Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops.
• Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies.
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings and workshops across the research group, school, college and wider community.
• Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team.
• Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and the school, including budgets and expenditure.
• Carry out modest teaching activities (e.g. demonstration) and associated admin as assigned.
• Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
• Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School or Director of Research Institute.
• Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan.

For Appointment at Grade 7

• Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, developing and maintaining collaborations, and publishing research.
• Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.
• Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team.
• Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and school, including budgets and expenditure.
• Make a leading contribution to teaching activities and associated admin as assigned.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills & Experience Knowledge and Qualifications Essential

• A1 SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.
• A2 Specialist knowledge of superconducting or semiconducting quantum circuits, low noise and high frequency cryogenic electronics, clean room technologies, and micro and nanofabrication.
• A3 Comprehensive knowledge of current issues and future directions within the subject area of Josephson junctions based devices and circuits.
• A4 Knowledge of using high frequency simulation packages for nanodevice and circuit design and modelling.

For Appointment at Grade 7

• A5 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework Level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level.
• B1 Awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in subject specialism or equivalent (Desirable).

Skills Essential

• C1 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.
• C2 Good programming skills and experience deploying machine learning techniques in quantum device and circuit design and modelling.
• C3 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly.
• C4 Extensive data analysis and interpretation skills.
• C5 Self motivation, initiative and independent thinking/working.

For Appointment at Grade 7

• C6 Technical knowledge and skills exceeding the essential requirements above.

Experience Essential

• E1 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by assessment of literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.
• E2 Experience in targeting, publishing and presenting research results in at least one quality journal/conference.
• E3 Experience developing and deploying techniques using high frequency simulation packages for quantum devices and micro/nanofabrication, high frequency and low noise characterisation, and cryogenic measurements.

For Appointment at Grade 7

• E4 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field.
• E5 Track record of publication and presentation of research results in quality journals/conferences, with an emerging national or international reputation.
• E6 Experience of the identification of project objectives and making a leading contribution in academic activities.
• E7 Experience in undertaking independent research.
• E8 Experience of making distinct contributions to identifying and pursuing research funding (or equivalent business development) applications.

Desirable

• F1 Experience working in cleanrooms.
• F2 Experience in developing and deploying appropriate micro and nanofabrication techniques for high quality quantum device realisation.
• F3 Experience in cryogenic DC/RF spectroscopy.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6/7: £33,951 – £37,694 / £41,064 – £46,049 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and has funding for up to 2 years in the first instance.

The University of Glasgow requires all employees to be eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

For more information on the Skilled Worker visa:

Closing Date

25 May 2026