Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

This new full time post is available from 1 July 2024 on a fixed term basis until 31 December 2026.

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in the EPSRC EP/W028301 project “Simplifying Quantum Computing: from theory to applications” and join the group of Dr. Luca Dellantonio in the Physics department. The project aims at devising new approaches that leverage on classically efficient tools such as the Clifford group to lower the resources that are required to simulate a given physical model either on a quantum or a classical device.

This EPSRC funded post is available from 1 July 2024 until 31 December 2026 (starting and initial dates can be adjusted upon request). The successful applicant will do research in the field of applied quantum algorithms and quantum computing. We welcome the applicants with background in various research subjects, including but not limited to quantum optics, groups and algebras, machine learning etc.

The post duties will include performing research (numerical and analytical calculations), writing and publishing original scientific papers, as well as taking part in weekly group meetings. Regular participation in international conferences is planned throughout the project. We offer an opportunity to join a dynamic and rapidly developing group of scientists that work together in a constructive, positive, and inclusive environment.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives in the relevant areas of physics, work collaboratively, and co-supervise younger researchers. They will have excellent writing skills, desire to self-study, and will be goal-oriented. During the project, the applicant is expected to learn or improve the skills that are required to acquire independence as a researcher.

The project provides funding for participating in several conferences each year. In these conferences, the candidate will share the results of the group to an international audience, build their own network, and facilitate new collaborations with leading scientists in the relevant fields. The candidate will also be encouraged to participate in external stays at leading institutions with which the group is routinely collaborating. Interactions with other groups in Exeter is also supported. The research environment at the University of Exeter is very alive, with regular meetings for theorists at the department and social events.

Applicants will possess a PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and have sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop/follow research programmes and methodologies.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024).  We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today.  More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. 

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Further information

For further information please contact Luca Dellantonio, [email protected] .

Interviews are expected to take place within two weeks of the advert closing date.