Research Fellow in Quantum sensing for civil engineering applications School of Engineering 106532 Grade 7

DescriptionPosition DetailsSchool of EngineeringLocation: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UKFull time starting salary is normally in the range 36636 to 46049 with potential progression once in post to 48822Grade: 7Full Time Fixed Term contract up to February 2028Closing date: 24th November 2025BackgroundWe are seeking a Research Fellow to support trial activities and forward and inversion modelling for quantum technology-based gravity gradient sensors and other geophysical sensor data. The successful candidate will focus on designing planning and conducting field and large-scale laboratory trials using both classical geophysical sensors such as the Scintrex CG6 gravimeter and Ground Penetrating Radar as well as the quantum technology gravity gradient sensor. This involves close liaison with colleagues across campus especially as part of the Quantum Technology Hub in Sensing Imaging and Timing (QuSIT partner institutions project partners and asset or land owners. This role will involve working closely with civil engineers computational modellers physicists and geophysicists to organise trials addressing scientific research with asset owners will also concentrate on determining the value of the data.Role SummaryDesign and conduct large-scale laboratory and field trials using both classical as well as quantum technology sensorsLiaise with others within QuSIT to develop trials which answer scientifically interesting research questions and/or demonstrate the benefits of the QT gravity gradiometer in a range of different use casesProcess analyse and interpret data from the trials using existing models and develop new techniquesCollaborate with interdisciplinary teams to interpret results and validate findingsContribute to technical reports journal and conference publications and presentationsCollaborate with physicists engineers and geoscientists to enhance sensor usabilityWork within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bidsOperate within area of specialismAnalyse and interpret research findings and resultsContribute to generating fundingContribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues asset or company sales IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similarThe successful candidate will join a thriving quantum technology applications research base at the University of Birmingham spanning engineering physics and earth sciences. The University has been active in quantum technologies since 2014 and now leads the UK Quantum Technology Research Hub in Sensing Imaging and Timing (QuSIT). Bringing together academic partners from seven universities the British Geological Survey and the National Physical Laboratory this interdisciplinary Hub is active in translating quantum technology research into applications including numerous collaborative projects with industry.The Geotechnical Engineering Research Group in the School of Engineering is dedicated to research in underground space. The School of Engineering is home to the National Buried Infrastructure Facility ( The group promotes an open and inclusive culture fostering a friendly supportive and collaborative working environment. The group brings together people with skillsets from across areas such as geotechnical engineering archaeology geophysics sensing and machine learning with group members from seven different countries speaking over ten different languages.Perks of this role include:Opportunity to undertake high quality research in a highly visible area with connection to impactWorking closely with people across different disciplinesOpportunity to develop leadership skills and capacity and to develop personal networks with industry and other stakeholdersTraining and development through the University and QuSITAllocation of time to dedicate to personal career development such as training and development of independent research ideasStandard benefits of working at the University (e.g. pension scheme)Applicants are expected to demonstrate academic citizenship develop and maintain mutually respectful and supportive working relationships with staff and students and ensure their role impacts positively on others.Main DutiesThe responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.Design and conduct large-scale laboratory and field trials using both classical geophysical as well as quantum technology sensorsCollaborate within QuSIT team to develop trials which answer scientifically interesting research questionsSeek out trial opportunities in collaboration with the wider team and the project partnersCollaborate with interdisciplinary teams to process analyse and interpret the data from the trials using existing approaches and developing new onesContribute to publications reports and presentations and support project coordination and stakeholder engagementDevelop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research with assistance of a mentor if requiredContribute to writing bids for research fundingApply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understandingDisseminate research findings for publication research seminars etcSupervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the disciplineContribute to developing new models techniques and methodsUndertake management/administration arising from researchContribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administrationContribute to enterprise business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University often under supervision of a project leaderCollect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods such as scientific experimentation literature reviews and research interviewsPresent research outputs including drafting academic publications or parts thereof for example at seminars and as postersProvide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the researchDeal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlinesPromotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culturePerson SpecificationPhD (or near to completion) in physics engineering geophysics or a related fieldExpertise in (large-scale) laboratory experiments or field trials ideally with experience using geophysical sensors such as gravimeters ground penetrating radar or magnetometersProficiency in scientific computing (e.g. Python MATLAB or similar) for data processing and data handlingExperience with data processing analysis and interpretationExcellent interdisciplinary communication Strong collaborative skills to work effectively with physicists engineers geoscientists and asset owners.High level analytical capabilityAbility to communicate complex information clearlyFluency in relevant models techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new onesAbility to assess resource requirements and use resources effectivelyUnderstanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processesContribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research projectCo-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effortKnowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairlyInformal enquiries to Professor Nicole Metje email: or telephone 0We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyoneon our website. Key Skills React Native,AI,Enterprise Software,React,Node.js,Redis,AWS,Software Development,IOS,Team Management,Product Development,Mobile Applications Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Monthly Salary Salary: 36636 - 46049