OpenPosition | UMQT

Research Associate in Quantum Error Correction in a dual species Rydberg Array (QuERy)

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Research Associate in Quantum Error Correction in a dual species Rydberg Array (QuERy)

A position is available for a Research Associate to work on the Quantum Error Correction in a dual species Rydberg Array (QuERy) experiment. The project is part of a multi-partner collaboration, Quantum Advantage In Quantitative Quantum Simulation (QQQS), funded by an EPSRC Programme Grant.

Applications are invited for a Research Associate to join the Ultracold Matter and Quantum Technology within the Department of Physics at the University of Strathclyde. We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified applicant to work in the neutral atom quantum computing team led by Prof. Jonathan Pritchard developing a new dual species cryogenic platform for quantum simulation and quantum computing. This project will exploit dual species arrays of Rubidum and Cesium within a 7 K cryostat to enable cross-talk free mid-circuit readout, high-fidelity interspecies gates to create a programmable platform for quantum computation and simulation. The successful applicant will be responsible for the development of the experimental platform, as well as benchmarking new techniques and protocols for implementing quantum algorithms targeting quantum simulation of novel topological phases as well as exploring regimes relevant to quantum error correction and mitigation.

As a Research Associate, under the general guidance of a research leader, you will develop research objectives and proposals, play a lead role in relation to a specific project/s or part of a broader project, conduct individual and/or collaborative research, contribute to the development of new research methods, identify sources of funding, and contribute to the securing of funds for research, including drafting grant proposals and planning for future proposals. You will write up research work for publication, individually or in collaboration with colleagues, and disseminate the results via peer reviewed journal publications and presentation at conferences. You will join external networks to share information and ideas, inform the development of research objectives and to identify potential sources of funding. You will collaborate with colleagues to ensure that research advances inform departmental teaching effort and you will collaborate with colleagues on the development of knowledge exchange activities by, for example, participating in initiatives which establish research links with industry and influence public policy and the professions. You will supervise student projects, provide advice to students and contribute to teaching as required by, for example, running tutorials and supervising practical work. You will contribute in a developing capacity to Department/School, Faculty and/or University administrative and management functions and committees and engage in continuous professional development.

For more details see the project webpage or apply here.

Availability: Open
Start date: Spring 2026
Contact: Prof. Jonathan Pritchard

SI-traceable atomic thermometry

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

SI-traceable atomic thermometry

Practical, portable temperature sensors drift during use and require periodic calibration against a ‘primary’ (stand-alone, accurate) thermometer to ensure on-going reliability. Primary thermometers are normally bulky but we aim to develop a portable, optically-based one using Doppler Broadening thermometry (DBT). This provides traceable temperature measurement in-situ in, for example sensor networks, to assure autonomy in a totally new way. This disruptive technology could in future completely change the way temperature traceability is delivered to users, and is aligned with the “Digitisation and Digital NMI” and “Achieving Carbon Net Zero” themes. For “digitisation” DBT will yield temperature traceability at the point of measurement, for “net zero” DBT will improve industrial process control (many of which rely on thermal processing but run sub-optimally due to temperature sensor drift). Solving this issue will optimise, and hence lower, power consumption whilst giving the added benefits of zero waste and consistent product quality. We will establish DBT as a new UK research activity and aim to scale macroscopic DBT approaches (typically 10’s cm) to practical sensor size (~cm) using small optical cells filled with atomic and/or molecular species. Our target uncertainty of 50mK in the temperature range 300-500 K, compares well with the precision of competing inexpensive thermocouple and thermistor technologies, but crucially will have absolute accuracy and thereby make an internationally leading contribution.

You will be part of a new research area for the UK, namely making absolute and traceable measurements of temperature using optical measurements of the Doppler broadening of an atomic transition. The aim is to scale to practical (~mm sized) sensors using miniature optical cells filled with appropriate atomic/molecular species. This project is in conjunction with external collaborative partner Graham Machin at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).

For more details contact the supervisor or apply here.

Availability: Open
Start date: October 2026
Contact: Dr Aidan Arnold

Vortex Dynamics in Ultracold Quantum Mixtures

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In a quantum many-body system the interactions between the constituent microscopic particles lead to emergent macroscopic phenomena. Such macroscopic phenomena include superfluidity (fluid flow without viscosity) and superconductivity (conduction of electricity without resistance). Novel phases such as high-temperature superconductivity form the basis of quantum materials, where useful emergent properties can lead to new technologies. Studying the dynamics of vortices (quantum whirlpools) can give key insight into the inner workings of these systems. Superfluids formed of ultracold atoms provide an extremely clean and well-controlled system for studies of collective quantum behaviour. They enable exquisite control over interactions, geometry, and rotation (vorticity). Importantly, in superfluids formed of mixtures of ultracold atoms we can tune the interactions to emphasize quantum effects such as fluctuations.

A key aim of this PhD project is to explore quantum-fluctuation dominated regimes where the behaviour of the superfluid depends on its inherent quantum nature, driving our fundamental understanding of superfluidity as a collective quantum phenomenon. Research goals include (1) investigating the role of quantum fluctuations in vortex nucleation and subsequent dynamics, and (2) investigating quantum-fluctuation-mediated interactions between two superfluids.

The successful student will join the Quantum Fluids research team, run by Dr Kali Wilson. They will work closely with the supervisor and other team members on a state-of-the-art experimental apparatus designed to explore vortex dynamics in binary superfluids formed of ultracold rubidium and potassium atoms. The successful student will also acquire practical skills in the areas of quantum technologies, optics and atomic physics. These skills include working with lasers, designing optical systems, high-resolution imaging and state-of-the-art image processing techniques, cooling and trapping atoms, as well as electronics and mechanical design.

If this sounds exciting to you and you would like to hear more, please get in touch with Kali Wilson (kali.wilson@strath.ac.uk).

Availability: Open
Start date: October 2026 (flexible)
Contact: Dr Kali Wilson

Graph optimisation using a neutral atom quantum computer

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Graph optimisation using a neutral atom quantum computer

Quantum computation offers a revolutionary approach to information processing, providing a route to efficiently solve classically hard problems such as factorisation and optimisation as well as unlocking new applications in material science and quantum chemistry that could in future be scaled up to accelerate drug design or optimised materials for aerospace and manufacturing. Whilst large-scale applications will require thousands of qubits, in the near-term small (100 qubit) quantum processors will reach a regime in which the quantum hardware is able to solve problems not accessible even on the largest available conventional supercomputers.

This project will utilise the SQuAre hardware platform for quantum computing based on scalable arrays of neutral atoms that is able to overcome the challenges to scaling of competing technologies, offering programmable control of up to 225 identical and high quality atomic qubits.

Already our team has demonstrated the highest single-qubit gate fidelities for large scale arrays on this hardware, and pioneered new approaches to realising weighted graph problems using locally addressed light-shifts. The aim of this PhD is to design and test new analogue and digital algorithms tailored for the neutral-atom platform to target industrially-relevant computation and optimisation problems, and perform pioneering demonstrations on the SQuAre system.

A major focus of this work will be developing new approaches to investigating qudit-encodings relevant for graph colouring problems, and to extend hardware performance to implement high-fidelity multi-qubit gate operations to enable efficient implementation of complex digital algorithms.

For more details see the project webpage or apply here.

Availability: Open
Start date: October 2026
Contact: Prof. Jonathan Pritchard

Quantum Error Correction in a dual species Rydberg Array (QuERy)

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Quantum Error Correction in a dual species Rydberg Array (QuERy)

This project seeks to develop a dual-species platform for quantum computing and simulation with neutral atoms, providing a route to implementing active quantum error correction essential for future scaling beyond 100 qubits. This hardware will simultaneously provide a versatile platform for analogue computing and simulation due to the ability to independently control inter- and intra-species interactions, providing a route to performing studies of complex many-body physics as well as increasing the diversity of real-world optimisation problems that can be tackled using neutral atom hardware.

Over the last decade, neutral atoms have emerged as one of the most promising platforms for quantum information processing, with a major advantage over competing technologies arising from the ability to scale to large numbers of identical qubits as required for performing practical quantum computing. To date, several experiments have demonstrated trapping of qubit arrays with > 256 qubits. To couple neutral atom qubits, highly excited Rydberg states are used which have extremely large electric dipole moments giving rise to strong and controllable interactions. These can be exploited to perform high fidelity multi-qubit gates, with F>0.95 demonstrated for two qubits and intrinsic fidelities of F>0.995 for multi-qubit gates, or for performing quantum simulation of controllable spin models as required for studying materials or solving optimisation problems.

Whilst there has been significant experimental progress, a number of challenges currently limit scaling to larger array sizes for hardware based on a single atomic species. The first arises from finite vacuum lifetime due to collisions with background atoms ejecting atoms from the trap. For room temperature operation, this is typically 10s for 1 atom but means only 10ms for a 1000 atom array. This can be solved by moving to operation at cryogenic temperatures down to 4 K where the cold surfaces cause significant increase in lifetime upwards of > 6000 seconds meaning recovery of times > 6s even for 1000 atoms. The next issue lies in the long readout time for neutral atom qubits, typically requiring 10-50 ms to readout qubit states. With a single species, the cross-talk and scattered light mean readout is destructive across the whole array, with no clear pathway to performing local measurements required for error correction to reach fault tolerant operation.

This project will tackle these two challenges by establishing a dual-species neutral atom array within a 4 K cryostat to obtain enhanced vacuum lifetimes and providing the ability to perform measurement on one species (the readout qubits) whilst retaining coherent quantum states on the other species (the logical qubits). This provides a route to overcome challenges with local addressing and cross talk as the two species operate at optical wavelengths separated by 10s of nm.

For more details see the project webpage or apply here.

Availability: Open
Start date: October 2026
Contact: Dr Jonathan Pritchard

Research Associate - Strontium Optical Frequency References

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A position is available for a postdoctoral researcher to join the Quantum Technologies team within the Department of Physics at the University of Strathclyde. The successful candidate will lead the development of a compact strontium-based optical frequency reference, integrating advanced optical metrology techniques within thermal atomic strontium systems.

This role encompasses:

Designing and prototyping miniaturised strontium optical frequency references
Implementing thermal atomic strontium sources and precision optics
Collaborating with UMQT and partners (national labs / industry) to enhance device portability
Publishing in high-impact journals and presenting at international conferences

You will work closely with Prof. Paul Griffin and Dr. Aidan Arnold, leading figures in experimental quantum optics and metrology.

Essential qualifications:

PhD (or nearing completion) in optical, quantum, or atomic physics
Practical experience with lasers, atomic sources, and precision frequency metrology
A strong publication record and communication skills

Residual early-career candidates may be appointed at Research Assistant level (Grade RS06, £32,546–£36,130) if the PhD is close to completion.

For more information see the full advert or contact Prof. Paul Griffin (paul.griffin@strath.ac.uk) or Dr. Aidan Arnold (aidan.arnold@strath.ac.uk).

Availability: Open
Deadline: Friday, 25 July 2025, 23:59 (UK time)
Start date: available from August 2025
Contact: Prof. Paul Griffin, Dr. Aidan Arnold

Research Associate – Atomic Systems Miniaturisation

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A position is available for a postdoctoral researcher to join the Ultracold Matter and Quantum Technology (UMQT) group in the Department of Physics at the University of Strathclyde. This project focuses on the miniaturisation of atomic systems to support the development of compact, deployable quantum technologies.

The successful candidate will contribute to the design, assembly, and testing of portable atomic and optical instrumentation, helping to develop next-generation precision devices that operate beyond traditional laboratory settings.

Responsibilities include:

Designing and integrating miniaturised atomic systems
Developing and characterising compact optical and metrology platforms
Collaborating with academic and industry partners
Publishing scientific results and presenting at conferences

You will be part of a dynamic, collaborative research environment in the UMQT group, known for its leadership in atomic and optical physics research and translation to industrial applications.

Essential qualifications:

PhD (or near completion) in experimental optical or quantum physics
Hands-on experience with lasers, optics, and vacuum systems
Strong communication skills and publication track record

Appointment at Research Assistant (Grade RS06, £32,546–£36,130) is possible if the PhD is near completion.

For more details, visit the full advert or contact Dr James McGilligan.

Availability: Open
Start date: available from August 2025
Deadline: 20 July 2025, 23:59 (UK time)
Contact: Dr James McGilligan

Research Associate – Optical Time and Frequency Transfer

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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A position is available for a postdoctoral researcher to join the Ultracold Matter and Quantum Technology (UMQT) group within the Department of Physics at the University of Strathclyde. The project focuses on optical time and frequency transfer, in collaboration with the UK National Quantum Technology Programme and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).

This role will support the development of compact atomic-optical systems for high-performance frequency metrology and benchmark new methods for miniaturised, real-world deployment. You will work closely with academic and industry partners to deliver practical protocols for quantum timing networks.

The successful candidate will be involved in:

Conducting experiments in optical time and frequency transfer
Developing and characterising compact atomic devices
Supporting the miniaturisation and integration of optical components
Disseminating findings via publications and international conferences

You will be based in the UMQT group, a vibrant team of over 40 researchers, with expertise in quantum optics, atomic physics, and laser metrology.

Essential qualifications:

PhD (or near completion) in experimental quantum or optical physics
Strong experience with laser systems, optics, metrology, and vacuum technology
Demonstrated ability to publish research and communicate results
Capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration in a team-based environment

Appointment at Research Assistant level (Grade RS06, £32,546–£36,130) is possible for candidates close to completing their PhD.

For more information, see the full advert or contact Prof. Paul Griffin.

Availability: Open
Start date: available from August 2025
Deadline: 20 July 2025, 23:59 (UK time)
Contact: Prof. Paul Griffin

Research Associate studying quantum gases in complex lattices

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

We have an open postdoctoral position as part of the newly starting EPSRC Programme Grant, Quantum Advantage in Quantitative Quantum Simulation (QQQS). The project focuses on the study of quantum many-body states of ultracold gases in periodic potentials. Please check our recent projects to learn more about our research and the team.

Interested in joining us?
Contact us now for further details!

Start date: Any
Requirements: PhD in Experimental Physics
Contact: Dr Elmar Haller

Quantum-gas microscopy of many-body quantum states in programmable light potentials

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Quantum Simulation seeks to unravel the mysteries of complex quantum systems that influence fields like materials science, chemistry, and biology. By modelling these systems through precise, controlled experiments at the quantum-mechanical level, we gain new, profound insights.

Within this PhD project, we’ll utilize ultracold atoms in optical lattices in a quantum-gas microscope setup, capable of single-site-resolved atom detection! Our setup, equipped with spatial light modulators, can project various light patterns onto the atoms with remarkable resolution. For example, in our work, published in Nature Communications, we were able to create quantum systems with only five atoms on a specific number of lattice site - this is pretty cool, isn’t it?

This remarkable tool will allow us to investigate novel quantum states in quasi one-dimensional systems. You can be the future PhD student exploring quantum states in ladder systems at half filling, where atoms move across each rung, yet the overall state remains insulating! We’re also diving into the intriguing effects of disordered lattice potentials on quantum states. By manipulating light potentials to flip atomic spins on selected sites, we’ll create various initial spin distributions, shedding light on out-of-equilibrium dynamics. And there’s more – future studies will venture into complex lattice geometries like Lieb-lattice systems and diamond chains.

Availability: Open
Start date: Every year
Contact: Prof Stefan Kuhr

Self-organized magnetic and droplet states for quantum technologies

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Self-organized magnetic and droplet states for quantum technologies

The project will investigate self-organized phases in cold atoms with light-mediated coupling. We are looking at laser cooled thermal atoms or quantum degenerate gases driven by a detuned laser beam with feedback from a single mirror or a cavity leading to the spontaneous emergence of intriguing spatial structures, from localized droplets to periodic structures like stripes and hexagons. Depending on the interest of the student, it can have a theoretical or experimental focus and would be either supervised by Prof Ackemann or Dr Robb as lead supervisor.

For more details, please contact Prof Thorsten Ackemann - thorsten.ackemann@strath.ac.uk.

Availability: Open only for self-funded students
Start date: Available now
Contact: Prof Thorsten Ackemann

Advancing the stability and accuracy of a laser-cooled microwave atomic clock