A fixed term postdoctoral appointment is available for 24 months in the Department of Physics, to work in the group of Professor Tim Spiller on an Innovate UK- funded project “3QN: Towards A New UK Industry for Novel Quantum Receivers in Nascent Satellite QKD Global Markets”.

The Department of Physics is at the forefront of pioneering global research and technological advancement in our world leading research centres, focused around biophysics, condensed matter physics, nuclear physics, and plasma physics and fusion energy at the York Plasma Institute. As a Department 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. We promote good practice and a strong culture of equality in higher education, and are proud of our Juno Champion Award and Athena SWAN Silver Award.

Based at the University of York, you will work as part of an industry/research consortium established to design and build prototype receivers for use in satellite quantum communications. You will focus on development of a receiver for continuous variable communication, and will include work on and around the interface between the free-space link, the receiver, and the required post-processing. You will also help write up and disseminate research results, coordinate joint publications and further contribute to the identification of possible new areas of research. You will be expected to participate in seminar and conference presentations and enjoy public engagement and outreach activities.

You will have a PhD in Engineering/Physics (topic relevant to free-space communications, preferably quantum communication) or equivalent experience. You will have significant experience of quantum and/ or classical information processing, as well as commitment to research-led engineering solutions. An interest in the transmission of classical data across free-space or wireless links would be beneficial. You will need to be self-motivated with a strong work ethic, but also willing to work as part of a research team. You will need to be enthusiastic about communicating your science through publication.

You will also have highly developed communication skills including competency to make presentations at conferences and the ability and experience of developing research projects and objectives, conducting research projects and working in a team.

The post is full-time, fixed-term for a period of 24 months, and will be available from March 1st, 2019 or as soon as possible thereafter. The initial development work will be carried out in York, with subsequent stages at industry partners in other part of the UK, including Glasgow and Harwell.

Informal enquiries may be made to Mr Klitos Andrea (klitos.andrea@york.ac.uk) and Dr Rupesh Kumar (rupesh.kumar@york.ac.uk).