Postdoctoral Researcher (IrelandQCI)

A panel may be formed from the competition from which future vacancies may be filled.

Job Overview:

Walton Institute is recruiting for an experienced Postdoctoral Researcher to work on research projects linked to the area of Quantum Communications. The EU IrelandQCI project aims to deploy a national Quantum Communications Infrastructure based on Quantum Key Distribution technologies. Walton Institute are coordinating this exciting project in collaboration with our Irish partners in the SFI CONNECT Research Centre (TCD, Tyndall, UCD, MU), HEAnet, ESB Telecoms, and ICHEC.

The vision of IrelandQCI is to build a national quantum communication network that will support an innovative quantum technology ecosystem that will enable and drive the transition from research-based experimental quantum systems and devices to commercialization-ready quantum communication products, solutions and services and lay the ground work for International networks.

Eligible applicants will have a PhD degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering Telecommunications, or Computer Science, and with an interest in quantum technologies. The project will involve the design, development and validation of quantum assisted (Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)) data communications encryption use-cases / demonstrators.

If you are interested in working in a unique research organisation within the higher education sector, Walton Institute offers a culture that promotes autonomy and the pursuit of individual interests and ideas. We’re excited about opportunities that will create new technologies, advance existing ones and we will actively support the commercialisation process of these technologies. This provides you with the opportunity to explore your own creativity and work on cutting edge technologies across a variety of challenging projects, engaging and collaborating with like-minded people. Walton ultimately offers flexibility in a great working environment for those looking to embark on a challenge.

Key Responsibilities/ Duties:

• Possess research expertise in the areas of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, or Computer Science;
• Perform basic and applied research in line with the objectives and work plan of funded research projects, under direction from the project Principal Investigator(s);
• Engage and report into external company stakeholders linked to the operational project;
• Complete an In-depth State of the art assessment and Requirements Identification for initial project requirements gathering and use case identification;
• Design, development and validation of quantum assisted (QKD) data communications encryption use-cases / demonstrators;
• Systems Integration of multiple Quantum / Encryption related technologies, such as QKD, IPsec, Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs), Hardware Security Modules (HSMs), and cloud technologies;
• Integration and validation of use-cases / demonstrators using Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs);
• Disseminate research results via publications in scientific conferences and journals;
• Participate in the supervisory teams of postgraduate research students;
• Work with the Principal Investigator(s) and the SETU Technology Transfer Office to protect and exploit developed intellectual property;
• Contribute to the development of research funding proposals;
• Contribute to internal Walton research dissemination, knowledge sharing and training activities;
• Perform other tasks as set by the Walton Research Head of Division in order to progress the development of the unit;
• Carry out other such duties as determined and directed by the Director(s) of Walton that contribute to the achievement of the strategic initiatives of the organisation.

Person Specification

Academic Qualifications:

Essential

• PhD in Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or Computer Science, or similar field.

Desirable

• PhD in Quantum (assisted) Cryptography / Technologies.

Experience

Essential

• 2 years working as a postdoc in a relevant area.

Specific knowledge and skills

Essential

• Successful publication record (technical focus areas);
• Track record of integrating IT (encryption) systems;
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills;
• Proficiency in the English language, both written and verbal;
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills;
• Demonstrated ability to accurately represent and promote; scientific projects to audiences of diverse technical backgrounds.

Desirable

• Experience in Post Quantum Cryptography or Quantum Resistant Algorithms;
• Strong systems engineering / integration background.

I.T. Skills

Essential     

• Proven knowledge in network encryption;
• Systems Administration / configuration;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite to include Word, Excel & Powerpoint.

Desirable     

• Good knowledge of IPsec and AES encryption;
• Understanding of Confidential Computing principles;
• Systems Architecture.           

Specific Personal Qualities

Essential

• Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see WIT’s English Language Requirements for details;
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic about position;
• Excellent Communication Skills;
• Good Leadership and Presentation skills;
• Excellent attention to detail and methodical approach to problem solving;
• Good organizational and time management skills;
• Strong analytical skills and logical approach to problem solving;
• Ability to contribute to proposal development;
• Flexibility;
• Capability to drive research agenda and grow research team;
• Teamwork.    

Salary: The gross salary applicable to this post is: €48,335 p.a. (Walton Postdoctoral Scale Level 2)

Application Procedure: Applications must be submitted through the SETU Recruitment Portal by the closing date - SETU Vacancies.

At a minimum candidates must demonstrate in their application that they possess all of the essential elements applicable in the person specification. The Technological University will then decide to interview only those applicants who appear from the information available, to be the most suitable, in terms of experience, qualifications and other requirements of the post. Candidates should keep a hard copy of the advert for their file as this will be needed for review should their application progress.

SETU is an equal opportunities employer.