Postdoctoral Researcher x 3 (Ref No. 031790)

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: Waterford, MUNSTER
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 19 Feb 2024

24 Jan 2024
Job Information
Organisation/Company

South East Technological University
Department

Walton Institute
Research Field

All
All
Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country

Ireland
Application Deadline

19 Feb 2024 - 16:00 (Europe/Dublin)
Type of Contract

Temporary
Job Status

Full-time
Hours Per Week

38
Offer Starting Date

1 Apr 2024
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

European Union / Next Generation EU
Reference Number

031790
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Department:                         ENL, Walton Institute

Location:                              Carriganore, Waterford

Employer:                            South East Technological University

Reporting to:                       Research Head of Division    

Contract Duration:              Specified Purpose Contract to February 2026

Commencement Date:        Immediately

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

 

Job Overview:

Walton Institute is looking to hire three Experienced Postdoctoral Researchers to work on projects linked to the research area of quantum communication. Walton Institute in SETU is the lead partner in IrelandQCI, a €10 M project that focuses on building a national ground-based quantum communication network for Ireland. Collaborators in the project include the SFI CONNECT Centre (Trinity College Dublin, Tyndall National Institute (UCC), University College Dublin and Maynooth University), the Irish Centre for High-end Computing (University of Galway), HEAnet and ESB Telecoms.

The project activities will focus on the development, implementation, testing and management of a range of use cases for fibre and free-space quantum and optical communication networks. These include but are not limited to QKD encryption, classical-quantum co-existence, quantum communication protocols, quantum entanglement networks, quantum sources and detectors, quantum algorithms, and quantum systems architecture. Eligible applicants will have a PhD degree in Physics, Computer Science or Computer Engineering with an interest in quantum technology. They are also required to have strong expertise and skills in computer simulation and/or engineering/physics laboratory.

Three positions will be offered:

  • Role 1 will focus on modeling the performance of quantum communication networks (fibre and space-based), and
  • Role 2 will focus on design and experimentation of advanced quantum communication protocols.
  • Role 3 will focus on experimentation of quantum memories for quantum repeater applications.

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 Institute ultimately offers flexibility in a great working environment for those looking to embark on a challenge.

 

Key Responsibilities/ Duties:

  • Apply research expertise to challenges in the areas of quantum communication networks and protocols in fibre and free-space.
  • Perform basic and applied research in line with the objectives and workplan of funded research projects, under direction from the project Principal Investigator(s).
  • Contribute to the development of use cases for quantum communication networks, both terrestrial and satellite.
  • Design, develop and perform laboratory-based experiments and field trials and/or perform simulations to advance protocols such as DVQKD, CVQKD, MDIQKD, TFQKD and entanglement-based networks in fibre and free-space; and/or perform research in experimental quantum optics and quantum memories.
  • Disseminate research results via publications in scientific conferences and journals.
  • Participate in the supervisory teams of postgraduate research students.
  • Work with the project 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 Division Manager in order to progress the development of the unit.
  • Carry out other such duties as determined and directed by the Director(s) of Walton Institute that contribute to the achievement of the strategic initiatives of the organisation.

 

Salary:

The gross salary applicable to this post is:€45,322 - €49,177 p.a.

 

All vacancies are advertised through our online recruitment system on the SETU Website. All applications must be submitted via this system. We no longer accept applications through email.

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.

Garda Vetting may be required for particular posts.

SETU is an equal opportunities employer.


Requirements
Research Field
All
Education Level
PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

 

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Attributes

Essential

Desirable

Academic Qualifications

 

  • PhD (or near completion) in the field of Physics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field
  • MSc / PhD in Quantum Technology

Experience

 

  • Researcher experience in an academic environment.
  • Expertise in quantum/optical technology and/or quantum communication network design, simulation and modelling and/or experimental quantum optics and quantum memories including cryostats.

 

  • 2 years working as a postdoc in an academic environment
  • Expertise in optics laboratories for testing quantum communication protocols
  • Expertise in modelling performance of quantum communication protocols.
  • Expertise in quantum memories
  • Experience supervising PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.

Specific knowledge and skills

 

  • Proven track record of high-quality peer-reviewed publications in top tier journals.
  • Demonstrated ability to accurately represent and promote scientific projects to audiences of diverse technical backgrounds.
  • Knowledge of quantum communication networks.
  • Ability to actively feed into new research funding proposals.

I.T. Skills

 

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Suite to include Word, Excel and Powerpoint.
  • Programming expertise in matlab/python/ interfacing to experiments
  • Experience using gitlab or similar repository

 

Specific Personal Qualities

 

  • Self-motivated and enthusiastic about position.
  • Excellent Communication Skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail and methodical approach to problem solving.
  • Strong analytical skills and logical approach to problem solving.
  • Ability to work well in a team
  • Good organizational and time management skills.
  • Flexibility.

 


Level
Excellent

Research Field
All
Years of Research Experience
1 - 4

Additional Information
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
South East Technological University
Country
Ireland
State/Province
Draft
City
Waterford
Postal Code
X91 XD96
Street
Carriganore
Geofield


Where to apply
Website

https://www.setu.ie/vacancies

Contact
State/Province

Draft
City

Waterford
Website

https://www.setu.ie/vacancies
Street

Carriganore
Postal Code

X91 XD96
E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED