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Location
Waterford / Hybrid
Duration
Specified Purpose Contract to February 2026
Commencement Date
Immediately
Salary
The gross salary applicable to this post is: €45,322 - €49,177 p.a.
Closing Date
19/02/2024
South East Technological University (SETU)
Job Description
Title: Postdoctoral Researcher x 3 (Ref No. 031790)
Department: ENL, Walton Institute
Location: Carriganore, Waterford
Employer: South East Technological University
Reporting to: Research Head of Division
Contract Duration: Specified Purpose Contract to February 2026
Commencement Date: Immediately
A panel may be formed from the competition from which future vacancies may be filled.
Job Overview:
Walton Institute is looking to hire three Experienced Postdoctoral Researchers to work on projects linked to the research area of quantum communication. Walton Institute in SETU is the lead partner in IrelandQCI, a €10 M project that focuses on building a national ground-based quantum communication network for Ireland. Collaborators in the project include the SFI CONNECT Centre (Trinity College Dublin, Tyndall National Institute (UCC), University College Dublin and Maynooth University), the Irish Centre for Highend Computing (University of Galway), HEAnet and ESB Telecoms.
The project activities will focus on the development, implementation, testing and management of a range of use cases for fibre and free-space quantum and optical communication networks. These include but are not limited to QKD encryption, classical-quantum co-existence, quantum communication protocols, quantum entanglement networks, quantum sources and detectors, quantum algorithms, and quantum systems architecture. Eligible applicants will have a PhD degree in Physics, Computer Science or Computer Engineering with an interest in quantum technology. They are also required to have strong expertise and skills in computer simulation and/or engineering/physics laboratory.
Three positions will be offered:
- Role 1 will focus on modeling the performance of quantum communication networks (fibre and
space-based), - Role 2 will focus on design and experimentation of advanced quantum communication protocols.
- Role 3 will focus on experimentation of quantum memories for quantum repeater applications.
If you are interested in working in a unique research organisation within the higher education sector, Walton Institute offers a culture that promotes autonomy and the pursuit of individual interests and ideas. We’re excited about opportunities that will create new technologies, advance existing ones and we will actively support the commercialisation process of these technologies. This provides you with the opportunity to explore your own creativity and work on cutting edge technologies across a variety of challenging projects,
engaging and collaborating with like-minded people. Walton Institute ultimately offers flexibility in a great
working environment for those looking to embark on a challenge.
Key Responsibilities/ Duties:
- Apply research expertise to challenges in the areas of quantum communication networks and protocols in fibre and free-space.
- Perform basic and applied research in line with the objectives and workplan of funded research projects, under direction from the project Principal Investigator(s).
- Contribute to the development of use cases for quantum communication networks, both terrestrial and satellite.
- Design, develop and perform laboratory-based experiments and field trials and/or perform simulations to advance protocols such as DVQKD, CVQKD, MDIQKD, TFQKD and
entanglement-based networks in fibre and free-space; and/or perform research in experimental quantum optics and quantum memories. - Disseminate research results via publications in scientific conferences and journals.
- Participate in the supervisory teams of postgraduate research students.
- Work with the project Principal Investigator(s) and the SETU Technology Transfer Office to protect and exploit developed intellectual property.
- Contribute to the development of research funding proposals.
- Contribute to internal Walton research dissemination, knowledge sharing and training activities.
- Perform other tasks as set by the Walton Research Division Manager in order to progress the development of the unit.
- Carry out other such duties as determined and directed by the Director(s) of Walton Institute that contribute to the achievement of the strategic initiatives of the organisation.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Academic Qualifications
Essential
PhD (or near completion) in the field of Physics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field
Desirable
MSc / PhD in Quantum Technology
Experience
Essential
Researcher experience in an academic environment.
Expertise in quantum/optical technology and/or quantum communication network design, simulation and modelling and/or experimental quantum optics and quantum memories including cryostats.
Desirable
2 years working as a postdoc in an academic environment
Expertise in optics laboratories for testing quantum communication protocols
Expertise in modelling performance of quantum communication protocols.
Expertise in quantum memories
Experience supervising PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
Specific knowledge and skills
Essential
Proven track record of high quality peer-reviewed publications in top tier journals.
Demonstrated ability to accurately represent and promote scientific projects to audiences of diverse technical backgrounds.
Desirable
Knowledge of quantum communication networks.
Ability to actively feed into new research funding proposals.
I.T. Skills
Essential
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite to include Word, Excel and Powerpoint.
Programming expertise in matlab/python/ interfacing to experiments
Desirable
Experience using gitlab or similar repository
Specific Personal Qualities
Essential
Self-motivated and enthusiastic about position.
Excellent Communication Skills.
Excellent attention to detail and methodical approach to problem solving.
Strong analytical skills and logical approach to problem solving.
Ability to work well in a team
Good organizational and time management skills.
Flexibility
Salary: The gross salary applicable to this post is: €45,322 – €49,177 p.a.
All vacancies are advertised through this online recruitment system. All applications must be submitted via this system. We no longer accept applications through email.
At a minimum candidates must demonstrate in their application that they possess all of the essential elements applicable in the person specification. The Technological University will
then decide to interview only those applicants who appear from the information available, to be the most suitable, in terms of experience, qualifications and other requirements of the
post. Candidates should keep a hard copy of the advert for their file as this will be needed for review should their application progress.
Garda Vetting may be required for particular posts.
SETU is an equal opportunities employer.
Application Procedure
Please go to SETU vacancies for further details and application procedures.