Research Associate

Full Time: 35 hours per week.

Fixed term contract: 12 months, Until 31/12/2027.

The Opportunity:

Together we can do great things. Be part of something bigger.With roles from hospitality to research, there’s a career for everyone at the University of Edinburgh. We can offer opportunities for you to develop in your career and make a real difference in the communities around us while contributing to the world at large. 

The University of Edinburgh is a world-class organisation. We look for the best in the field across all disciplines and provide a working environment where academics can develop their careers and passion for their chosen subject area. We offer the full range of academic roles and have a genuine focus on our student’s performance and wellbeing.

The successful candidate will work on the RubberDUQ project within the Quantum Software Lab, developing mathematical foundations and practical tools for hybrid quantum-classical programming. The project uses categorical semantics to give quantum programs, including their interaction with classical control and measurement, a precise meaning, and turns that meaning into compilers and optimisations that are correct by construction. Depending on the candidate's background, the work may range from category theory and programming language semantics to compiler design and implementation. The Research Associate will collaborate with the project team and with QSL's academic and industrial partners. This post is advertised as full-time.

People have always been at the heart of our work. As part of the University, you are a part of our community. We are looking for people with drive, determination, and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful/personalised flexibility for you.

Your skills and attributes for success: 

• Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics).
• The following criteria are not strict yes/no requirements; rather, candidates will be assessed on the strength of their experience and evidence across these areas. Recruitment will aim to select the candidates demonstrating the strongest overall profile.
• Experience conducting research in one or more of: categorical semantics, programming language theory, compilers, or quantum computing. 
• Proven expertise in the mathematical or software techniques required to undertake the proposed research, such as category theory, formal semantics, or compiler implementation. 
• Evidence of high-quality research performance (e.g., publications, technical reports, software contributions, or comparable outputs). 
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, both verbally and in writing. 

Contact details for enquiries (name and email address):

Prof. Chris Heunen, chris.heunen@ed.ac.uk 

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle: 

• Professional development and subject matter expertise
• Leading-edge research
• Contributing to the work and purpose of the University. 

This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working. 

Apply Before: 04/11/2026, 23:59

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