Researcher Position: Quantum Technologies Researcher

Fraunhofer CAP (Centre for Applied Photonics) has a vacancy, due to planned growth, for talented, imaginative researchers who would revel in a varied, applied R&D setting. The role will support and facilitate cutting edge research, design and development activities in collaboration with industry customers and partners.

We welcome applications from people at all stages of their career and we enjoy our team being diverse in every way. Our team is bright, engaging, welcoming, helpful and we want like-minded individuals who want to make a difference and really contribute. Your attitude and ambition are as important to us as any of the details below. We hope for candidates who are sociable and professional, have strong oral and written communication skills and experience of applied R&D in an academic or industrial environment.

The first of the highly regarded Fraunhofer Research Centres to be based in the UK, Fraunhofer CAP specialises in undertaking applied R&D in a range of photonics themes. Based at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow, Fraunhofer CAP’s main remit is to be a key partner to UK companies in the development of state-of-the-art products and processes which will enhance their competitiveness. Candidates will most likely have a strong academic or industrial R&D record in photonics or optoelectronics and a demonstrable ability to work collaboratively and independently, to defined timescales, together with a commitment to commercially-orientated research and development. Candidates will have the ability to successfully manage R&D projects. They will play a key role in developing new project ideas, and help securing funding from industry, Innovate UK and the EU.

The successful candidate will join the quantum technologies team at Fraunhofer CAP. Our team has taken a very active role in the UK’s quantum technologies programme working with many industrial partners on quantum sensors and quantum information systems. The quantum technologies team at Fraunhofer CAP is in a unique position to help industry develop and deploy the next generation of technology to create a lasting impact. We are working more than 30 industrial partners and are the UK’s largest partner in the quantum technologies innovation programme. We use quantum technologies to demonstrate tangible benefits in real-world situations and work closely with industry to develop and map out future products. This unique position presents an opportunity to work on cutting-edge applied quantum technologies research – the next step beyond laboratory research.

This researcher role includes optical laboratory research and prototype development alongside reporting and preparing proposals. The researcher will be responsible for delivery of existing funded project activity in the area of quantum technologies. We are looking for a skilled individual to support and grow our photonics-based quantum information, imaging and communication activities.

In order to support this area, we are looking for an individual with one or some of following desirable skills:

• Entangled, probabilistic or deterministic photon sources;
• Nonlinear optics for spontaneous parametric down conversion;
• Integrated (on-chip) photon sources and components;
• Single-photon detectors and receiver systems;
• Free-space and fibre QKD links;
• Time-correlated single-photon counting and supporting instrumentation.

Skills in one of the desirable areas would be ideal, however, candidates with transferrable skills from other application areas will be considered. Enthusiasm to engage on new research topics is important. Additional core skills would be beneficial:

• Instrumentation control;
• Laser characterisation;
• Optical test and measurement;
• Alignment of optical systems;
• Fibre and waveguide coupling.

Fraunhofer CAP offers a competitive salary and very attractive University-like conditions, including generous holidays, pension provision, maternity leave, nursery access etc. Salary will be commensurate with the levels of appointment.

In the first instance, if you consider that you match these requirements; please send a three-page maximum CV and a one-page maximum covering letter, all as a single PDF file with the filename firstname_lastname_iopQT_2022 to hr@fraunhofer.co.uk.

Please include in your letter ‘I agree that you may keep my CV on file for two calendar years in order to be considered for future positions.’, if you so wish.

Application closing date: 4^th October 2022