Associate Professor in Future Connectivity Technologies (Quantum Networks)

The role

Quantum networks are leaving the laboratory. Come and help us build them.

The School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering (EEME), together with the University's flagship Smart Internet Lab, is seeking an Associate Professor in Quantum Networks.

Bristol is acknowledged globally as a leading centre for digital communication and networks research, with a long-standing reputation for delivering genuine breakthroughs. The Smart Internet Lab unites world-class strengths across optical, wireless (5G/6G) and quantum networking, and has pioneered the translation of advanced networking into smart cities, transport, manufacturing, logistics and the creative industries.

You will join an interdisciplinary team that transcends traditional boundaries, working with academic, industrial and government partners across the UK and worldwide to shape the future of digital and quantum infrastructure. The post is based at our £500m Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, home to the Quantum Technology Innovation Centre and one of the UK's densest concentrations of quantum expertise.

This is an open ended appointment with real scope to build: your own team, your own research vision, and opportunities to take on leadership roles that influence School and Faculty strategy.

What will you be doing?

• Leading internationally excellent research in quantum networks – entanglement distribution and entangled network architectures, quantum-secured optical networks, coexistence of quantum and classical channels over deployed fibre, high-capacity optical switching, and AI/ML for network control – with clear links to the Smart Internet Lab.
• Attracting research funding from UK Research Councils, government bodies, industry and international schemes, contributing to national priorities such as the UK's National Quantum Strategy.
• Building and leading your own team of postdoctoral researchers and PhD students.
• Delivering engaging undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in optical and quantum communications, and developing innovative new postgraduate provision that bridges the two.
• Working with industrial and government partners to turn cutting-edge research into real-world impact.
• Contributing academic leadership to the School and to the wider research and policy community.

You should apply if

You are already conducting internationally leading research at the interface of optical and quantum networking, and you can show how you have turned it into funded programmes with academic, industrial and government partners.

You will need:

• A good first degree in Engineering, Physics or another relevant subject, and a PhD (or equivalent experience) in a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research in optical and quantum networks, with clear potential for leadership in the field.
• A clear, focused vision for future research that complements the Smart Internet Lab.
• A track record of attracting funding from scientific foundations, government bodies and industry.
• The ability to develop and deliver effective, innovative teaching to engineering students.
• Confidence in working with industrial partners and sponsors, and a genuinely collaborative, team-based approach.

We warmly welcome applications from women and from other groups who are under-represented in Engineering, and we are happy to discuss job share, part-time or flexible working patterns.

Additional information

For informal queries please contact:

Professor Wladek Forysiak, Academic Team Leader – Networks

Or alternatively:

Professor Aydin Nassehi, Head of School

To find out more about what it's like to work in the Faculty of Engineering, and how the Faculty supports people to achieve their potential, please see our staff blog: https://engineering.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/category/engineering-includes-me/

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