Postdoctoral Research Associate in 2D SPD Arrays for Quantum Networking

Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate in 2D SPD Arrays for Quantum Networking

Grade and Salary: Grade 7 -  £37,694 - £47,389

FTE and working pattern: Full time (35 hours per week), Fixed term (18 months)

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

Purpose of Role

Join a cutting-edge research initiative at the forefront of quantum communications and photonic sensing. This Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position is part of the EPSRC-funded QUANTA project—Quantum commUnications over Atmospheric chaNnels aided by deTector Arrays—a collaboration between the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University.

The PDRA will lead Heriot-Watt's technical contributions, working within a dynamic team that operates the UK's most advanced optical ground station for quantum and free-space optical communications. You will conduct experimental research into quantum key distribution (QKD), explore the dual-use capabilities of 2D SPAD (Single-Photon Avalanche Diode) arrays, and develop novel multiplexing techniques for high-throughput secure links.

This role offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with:

• Prof Majid Safari (UoE), expert in quantum and optical communication systems using SPAD arrays.
• Prof Robert Henderson (UoE), a pioneer in SPAD sensor design and integration.
• A vibrant team at Heriot-Watt with deep expertise in quantum optics, photonic engineering, and space-based communications.
• Industrial advisory board made up of the supply chain, services providers, and end users.

You'll have access to world-class infrastructure, including:

• The Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS) at Heriot-Watt, featuring a 70 cm telescope, adaptive optics, and single-photon detectors.
• A dark fibre network for hybrid quantum-optical experiments.
• Advanced lab facilities for photonic device testing and system integration.
• Advanced 2D Single-photon counting array technology

We're looking for a motivated researcher with a strong background in experimental quantum optics, photonics, or optical communications, eager to push the boundaries of secure global connectivity.

The initial contract is for 18 months, but there are options to extend to 36 months.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Work with colleagues and line manager to devise and perform the work consistent with the goals of the project. 
• Write research reports and publications based on the outputs of the work. Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences, and/or other appropriate media.  Continue to update personal knowledge and to develop skills within own specialist research area. Maintain written records of research results and progress generated intellectual property and data analysis. Contribute to the production of research reports and publications
• Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration. Work with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest and contribute to collaborative decision making. Join external networks to share information and identify potential sources of funds. 
• Provide guidance as required to support staff, research students and any other students who may be assisting with the research.
• Contribute, under supervision, to the planning of research projects, including the development of new grant/contract proposals. Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.
• The ideal candidate will have had previous hands on experience with optoelectronic components, such as; laser diode sources, intensity modulators, phase modulators, single-photon detectors, and fibre-optics.
• Good communication skills and an appropriate publication record are essential. 
• General tasks will involve; construction and testing of an optoelectronic components and quantum optical systems; collaborating with local researchers on the lab-based experiment; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; reporting to the supervisor and project lead.
• The successful candidate will be expected to conduct and lead the work. 
• Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators. 

Essential & Desirable Criteria

Essential

1. Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant area. (Applicants should have submitted their PhD thesis first draft by the start date.) 
2. Possess and maintains sufficient breadth or depth of specialist discipline knowledge and or research methods and techniques to work in own area.
3. Ability to articulate research work, both in technical reports/papers and by oral presentation.
4. Experience in writing and managing peer-reviewed papers/reports.
5. Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt University and more widely with the collaborators at other Universities and industrial partners.
6. Willingness and ability to travel for consortium meetings.
7. Working knowledge and extensive hands-on experience of practical quantum communications and use of single-photon avalanche diodes.
8. Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative.

Desirable

1. Additional working knowledge of; optical communications, free-space implementations, multiplexing techniques, and field trials.
2. Experience in industry or collaborating with industry on an R&D project.
3. A candidate with ambitions to work in industry or an applied research lab.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Sunday 11th January 2026.

Please submit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment.

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

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  .

Use our total rewards calculator:  to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

About the Team

At Heriot-Watt University's Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, our research lab is pioneering the future of secure global communications through quantum and optical technologies. Led by Associate Professor Dr Ross Donaldson, we focus on the practical implementation of satellite-based quantum key distribution (QKD) and high-bandwidth free-space optical communications.

Our team plays a central role in the Quantum Communications Hub and Integrated Quantum Network Hub, where we lead the design, development, and operation of the Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS)—a £2.5M facility located at Heriot-Watt's Research Park in Edinburgh. HOGS is equipped with a 70 cm reflective telescope, adaptive optics, and single-photon detectors, enabling quantum-encrypted satellite communications and advanced space debris tracking. The station is integrated into a dark fibre network, creating a living lab for hybrid quantum-optical networks and future 6G technologies.

We are actively engaged in collaborative missions including the UK's SPOQC demonstrator and Canada's QEYSSat, and maintain strong links with ESA, NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab, and industry partners through multiple Innovate UK projects.

About Heriot-Watt University

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.