Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Photonics and Microwave Integration in Rare Earth Doped Crystals

Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Photonics and Microwave Integration in Rare Earth Doped Crystals

Salary: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389 per annum

Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term for 24 Months

Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)

About our Team 

The Quantum Photonics Laboratory at Heriot-Watt University (HWU) is engaged in research covering solid-state photonics, engineering coherent light-matter interaction using quantum structures and devices, and exploiting such devices for quantum technologies. The group consists of about 25 members, including five academics: Prof Margherita Mazzera, Prof Cristian Bonato, Prof Brian Gerardot, Dr Mauro Brotons i Gisbert, Samer Kurdi and Dr Christian Bekker. The quantum photonic platforms used within the group includes rare-earth doped crystals, defects in wide band-gap materials such as SiC or diamond, two-dimensional materials 'beyond graphene', quantum dots in III-V semiconductors. 

The group has well-equipped laboratories for quantum optics and high-resolution laser spectroscopy of quantum emitters at room and cryogenic temperatures, radio-frequency control of electronic/nuclear spins as well the facilities for fabrication of novel optoelectronic / quantum photonic devices.  

The group is affiliated to the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Science (IPaQS), which is one of the UK's largest photonics-oriented research institutes. IPaQS has a strong culture of collaborative research, which is built on the regular exchange of ideas between our experimental and theory groups. We are a tight-knit community of academics that support each other's career development. 

We have a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and hold regular events that celebrate our diversity and raise awareness about issues affecting the IPaQS community. We boast world-class research facilities, including a 275m2 cleanroom and 2175m2 of high specification optics and laser laboratories, providing the infrastructure needed to conduct internationally leading research in photonics and quantum sciences. The UK Research and Excellence Framework (REF2021) saw Heriot-Watt Physics ranked first in Scotland and 4th in the UK for world-leading research. 

IPaQS is part of the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) at Heriot-Watt. The University and EPS hold an Institutional and School-level Athena Swan Bronze Award, recognising excellence in championing the advancement of the careers of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We offer a range of family-friendly and inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, campus facilities and services to support staff from different backgrounds. Our staff hail from many countries around the world and we pride ourselves as being a welcoming and inclusive place to work.   

Detailed Description

The Quantum Photonics Laboratory seeks a talented and motivated scientist to lead a new research direction on integrated photonic platforms for quantum memories based on rare-earth doped crystals. This role will focus on developing advanced quantum devices that combine optical resonators and microwave (MW) circuits for high-performance quantum memory applications. 

Key objectives include: 

• manipulation and optimization of electronic and spin coherence through complex optical and MW sequences,  
• implementation of quantum memory protocols in both bulk crystals and waveguide structures,  
• design and integration of MW coils and circuits with photonic components, including optical resonators. 

The project aims to deliver high-impact scientific publications and technological advances in integrated quantum photonic devices for quantum communication and computation. The work will be conducted within a recently funded EPSRC project, in collaboration with world-leading partners in waveguide fabrication and microwave engineering. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Prof Margherita Mazzera, Principal Investigator of the project. 

For more information, please contact Prof Margherita Mazzera ). 

Education, Qualifications and Experience 

Essential Criteria 

• A PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or a related discipline. Candidates must have submitted their doctoral thesis before starting the post. 
• Strong experimental background in one or more of the following: solid-state or atomic physics, quantum photonics, quantum information science. 
• Evidence of technical skills as  
• Design and characterization of waveguides, optical resonators, and photonic circuits.   
• Electromagnetic and photonic simulation software (e.g., COMSOL, Lumerical, CST). 
• Programming for experimental control and data processing (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB). 
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles. 

Desirable Criteria 

• Previous experience with one or more of the following: 
• Vacuum and cryogenics technology (Operation and troubleshooting of low-temperature setups for quantum experiments) 
• Optical and/or microwave engineering (including MW coil design and integration). 
• Control and measurement of quantum systems  
• Evidence of ability, subject to opportunity, to guide other researchers, e.g. PhD students and undergraduate project students. 
• Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder is required to: 

Undertake the following key tasks of this project: 

• Operate, maintain and modify, when necessary, a quantum memory experimental setup including tuneable lasers, cryocoolers, vacuum systems, arbitrary waveform generators for the manipulation of atomic and spin excitations, and MW sources for the control of spins. 
• Carry out other general tasks involved in scientific research as analysis and interpretation of data, and daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory. 

 Carry out the research project to a high standard by:  

• Meeting planned milestones and deliverables. 
• Reporting progress regularly to supervisors, both verbally and in written reports 
• Keeping clear written records of work done and storing data in accessible formats according to a system agreed with the project supervisor. 

Collaborate with partners within the project and others as appropriate: 

The post holder will join the Quantum Photonics Laboratory and will be expected to;  

• Work collaboratively and cooperatively in a team environment; this involves shared use of laboratory equipment (therefore effective communication between group members is essential). 
• Assist the development of student research skills and contribute to the assessment of student knowledge in the context of teaching and supervision duties.  
• Maintain and develop collaborations with internal and external partners in the field. 

Dissemination of results: 

The post holder will be expected tol

• Attend group and project meetings, communicating progress on a regular basis. Deliver presentations to project collaborators and the wider research community. Regular short-term travels to visit collaborators and attend international conferences are thus expected and funding to cover caring costs are available. 
• Write high quality research papers in English for the scientific literature.  
• Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences, and/or other appropriate media. 

About Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business, and industry. 

Heriot-Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business, and languages. Heriot-Watt is also Scotland's most international university, boasting the largest international student cohort.

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team. 

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) CV (2) A cover letter explaining motivation and interest in this project, submitted through the university portal. Candidates should clearly demonstrate how they meet the essential criteria listed below. 

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Monday 5 January 2026.

Please note: Interviews for this role are anticipated to take place on Tuesday 13 January 2026.

For more information, please contact Prof Margherita Mazzera ). 

We strongly encourage applications from women and other underrepresented groups in Physics. 

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.  

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.   

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.   

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website  and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers   

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.