Research Associate

Department
The School of Physics, Engineering and Technology brings physicists and engineers together to push the frontiers of knowledge, foster innovation and meet the grand challenges facing society. Our aim is to deliver world-leading research in both fundamental and applied areas whilst developing new technologies that work for the public good, in an environment where everyone can thrive.

As a School, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to our culture and we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture at all levels and across all staff groups and offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, campus facilities and services to support staff from different backgrounds. We are proud to hold Juno Champion and Athena Swan silver awards, which recognise our commitment to creating an equitable and fully inclusive environment in which staff and students can thrive. We aim to inspire young people to engage with science and engineering through our outreach work.

Our research team is part of a world-leading UK group in quantum communications and related technologies. We work across both theoretical and experimental domains, developing cutting-edge quantum systems for secure communication over optical fibre and free-space channels. We also contribute to teaching in quantum optics, photonics, and applied quantum technologies within the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology at the University of York.

Role

• To conduct research under the supervision of senior colleagues and to contribute to the production of research.
• To assist in the identification and development of potential areas of research and the development of proposals for independent or collaborative research projects.
• To develop the tools and methodologies required to build, deploy, and operate a fully functional Twin-Field Quantum Key Distribution (TF-QKD) system.
• To provide supervision to early-career researchers and students, as directed by the project supervisor.

Skills, Experience & Qualification Needed
You will have:

• Undergraduate degree in Physics, Electronic Engineering or Computer Engineering.
• PhD in Physics or Electronic Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge in quantum communications protocols, systems and field trials to engage in high quality research.
• Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide-ranging audience, both orally and in writing, using a range of media.
• Experience of carrying out both independent and collaborative research.
• Experience of writing up research work for publication.

Interview date: 1 July 2025

For informal enquiries: please contact (Prof Marco Lucamarini) on (marco.lucamarini@york.ac.uk) or contact (PET HR) on (pet-hr@york.ac.uk).

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

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