Research Associate in Quantum Foundations

Salary:  £35,116 to £42,882 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 02 July 2025

The Role

We are seeking two research associates with experience in the broad area of quantum information science and technology, and an interest in quantum foundations more specifically, to work with Dr Jonte R Hance within the Advanced Model-Based Engineering and Reasoning (AMBER) Research Group in the School of Computing.These positions are funded under Dr Hance’s EPSRC Quantum Technologies Career Acceleration Fellowship, titled “Developing Quantum Advantage by Understanding the Paradoxical Aspects of Measurement in Quantum Systems”. 

This project leverages foundations to pave the way for the novel quantum protocols, algorithms, and technologies of the future. You will work closely with internal collaborators, external project partners (including at the University of Bristol, Heriot-Watt University, Northumbria University, and the National Quantum Computing Centre in the UK, and Kyoto University, Nagoya University, Kagawa University, and Hiroshima University in Japan), and new and developing external collaborators. These 5-year fixed-term positions should provide a path to research independence, and Dr Hance will provide support and guidance for applying for independent fellowships and other such opportunities for developing independence throughout the term of the position.

Research directions will be developed collaboratively by you and Dr Hance, commesurate to previous research experience and independence, but will broadly focus (at least initially) on Dr Hance’s areas of interest — quantum measurement dynamics, the origins and uses of contextuality and quasiprobability negativities, deeper understanding of the factors which contribute to the “twin evolution laws” of quantum mechanics, and ways of applying such foundational analysis for quantum technological or social benefit (e.g., through designing protocols or algorithms for, or building understanding of, quantum computing, communications, imaging, sensing, or tomography, or through “quantum-like” modelling of phenomena, such as visual memory in psychology).

To find out more about the School of Computing click here

The role is fixed term for 60 months.

For informal inquiries please contact Dr Jonte Hance jonte.hance@newcastle.ac.uk

To apply, please complete the online application and provide your CV and a cover letter, detailing how you meet the role requirements listed below under the knowledge, skills and experience section.

Key Accountabilities
Including (but not limited to):

• Conduct research around quantum information science and technologies broadly defined, based on specific research directions set in discussion with Dr Hance
• Build internal and external contacts and participate in networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time, develop own research objectives and proposals for own funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
• Prepare research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
• Help with the supervision of final year undergraduate research projects and postgraduate research students and where appropriate PhD students and Research Assistants 
• Work with support staff, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the group
• Contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities
• Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment
• Contribute to broader organisational and management processes and to co-ordinate the work of other colleagues where necessary

The Person 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience of research in quantum information science and technologies (broadly defined)
• Interest and enthusiasm for quantum foundations
• Experience with the publication of work in peer reviewed journals and presentation of findings at conferences
• High level of analytical and problem-solving capability 
• Excellent communication skills and ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others 

Desirable 

• Experience of research in quantum foundations
• Interest in one or more areas aligned with Dr Hance’s research interests
• Experience with the preparation of grants for submission to funder
• Experience in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students 

Attributes and Behaviour

• Ability to work well as part of a team or collaborators.
• Ability to rapidly acquire new skills.
• Enthusiastic, well-motivated and hard working.
• Good attention to detail.
• Commitment to continued professional development.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant subject (e.g., physics, computer science, engineering, mathematics)
   

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 28210

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