Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy – Department of Computer Science

This new full time post is available from 1 January 2023 on a fixed term basis until 31 December 2023. This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

Summary of the role

The College wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to support the work of Dr Alberto Moraglio and Prof Ed Keedwell on the UKRI project ‘Exploiting Quantum Computing for Large-Scale Transport Models’ in collaboration with City Science. This is a one year post available from 1 January 2023.

Quantum optimisation is the use of quantum computers to solve hard optimisation problems.  A key requirement for a problem to be solved on a quantum computer is to be formulated in the form of a QUBO (Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimisation) problem. The focus of the post will be to develop the formulation of a range of real-world transport optimisation problems in the form of QUBO problems and solve these on quantum annealing and quantum gate computers, as well as using hybrid classic and quantum approaches. These will also be compared with traditional metaheuristic and hyper-heuristic approaches for the same problems. The post will require to actively collaborate with other researchers working on the project and industrial partners at City Science.

The successful applicant will be able to research, formulate problems, develop and analyse algorithms and present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically. In particular, the successful applicant will have experience in optimisation and the modelling of transportation systems, and good programming knowledge. Expertise in quantum optimisation and a strong mathematical background will be advantageous.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

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

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022).  

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. More than 99% of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (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

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 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), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• 41 days leave per year
• options for flexible working
• numerous discounts at leading retailers
• onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
• sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

Further information

Please contact Dr Alberto Moraglio, e-mail [email protected] .

Please note that as of 1st September 2022 our colleges and schools will be moving into a new structure which will consist of the following three Faculties – Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, and Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.