Senior Researcher

The School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh invites applications for 2 Senior Researchers. These roles are part of the Quantum Software Lab (QSL, link: https://www.quantumsoftwarelab.com), in collaboration with the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC, link: https://www.nqcc.co.uk) with a particular focus on research related to the UK Testbed Programme (link: https://www.nqcc.ac.uk/quantum-computing-testbeds-in-the-uk/). The overarching purpose of these positions are to enhance the research capabilities of the group, known for its high-quality research in quantum informatics at the University of Edinburgh. The QSL currently comprises approximately 50 core members, under the leadership of Prof. Elham Kashefi, Personal Chair in Quantum Computing and the Chief Scientist at the NQCC. 

The Opportunity:

These posts are advertised as 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. 

Your skills and attributes for success: 

Essential

1. PhD (or near completion) in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or related field.
2. Experience and evidence of effective independent research work within an interdisciplinary team. More broadly, demonstrated ability to lead, design and complete research projects, to solve problems independently and make original contributions to research.
3. A track record of first-author and collaborative publication in high-quality journals or conferences, including in quantum computing literature.
4. Excellence in written and oral communication, analytical, planning, and time management skills.

Desirable

1. A track record of successfully managing multidisciplinary teams in the context of multi-partner projects.
2. Experience of working with multiple allied partners in research networks.
3. Preferably, experience in research student supervision and grant writing.      

Click to view a copy of the full job description (opens new browser tab).

Please include the following documents in your application:

• CV
• Cover letter

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary of £49,559 -  £60,907 per annum, pro-rata if part-time. 
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. 
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page(opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits. 

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality. 

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages(opens new browser tab).

The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role.  If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.

Please note if the role is offered on a part-time basis, it may result in sponsorship being dependent on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant or the role no longer meeting the Home Office’s criteria for sponsorship.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 14^th July 2025.
 

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone. 

 

Feedback is only provided to interviewed candidates.