Summary
The Department of Physics at the University of Strathclyde is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in Theoretical Physics to join the newly formed Quantum Control & Complexity Group under the guidance of Dr. Pablo Poggi. This position is funded through the Royal Society University Research Fellowship project titled “Controlling quantum chaos for near-term quantum technologies.” The role involves exploring complex quantum dynamics, quantum control, and many-body physics to design methods for near-term quantum processors (particularly neutral-atom systems).
Designation
Research Associate / Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA)
Key Job Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Employer | University of Strathclyde |
| Department | Department of Physics |
| Position Title | PDRA in Theoretical Quantum Science (Research Associate) |
| Salary | £37,694 to £46,049 per annum |
| Contract Type | Full-Time, Fixed-Term |
| Job Reference | 840175 |
| Location | Glasgow, Scotland, UK |
| Closing Date | 21st October 2026 |
Research Area
- Field: Theoretical Quantum Science / Theoretical Physics
- Focus Areas:
- Quantum chaos, information scrambling, and operator growth in interacting systems
- Quantum optimal control methods and non-classical state preparation
- Interplay between measurement, feedback, and long-range multi-body interactions
- Perturbation sensitivity and applications to near-term quantum simulators/processors (e.g., neutral-atom arrays)
Location
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
(University of Strathclyde, Department of Physics)
Eligibility / Qualification
Essential Requirements:
- Education: A PhD in Theoretical Physics or a closely related discipline.
- Technical Background: Experience with theoretical and computational methods applied to quantum systems.
- Skills:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to share complex information with diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to plan, prioritize, and manage individual workloads.
- Ability to work constructively and collaboratively within a team environment.
Desirable / Advantageous Experience:
- Specialization in one or more areas: Quantum Information, Quantum Many-Body Physics, Atomic Molecular and Optical (AMO) Physics, Condensed Matter Theory, or Classical and Quantum Chaos.
- Experience with modern computational/numerical techniques such as tensor networks, computational many-body methods, or quantum computing frameworks.
Job Description & Responsibilities
- Research & Development: Conduct independent and collaborative research combining analytical and numerical tools; lead specific sub-projects within the broader fellowship programme.
- Publication & Dissemination: Prepare manuscripts for high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences.
- Funding & Grant Writing: Identify funding opportunities and assist in drafting collaborative research and grant proposals.
- Collaboration & Networking: Engage with national and international theoretical and experimental partners across the quantum technology sector.
- Mentorship & Teaching Support: Co-supervise student research projects, advise junior researchers, and contribute to teaching activities (such as running tutorials and supervising laboratory/practical sessions).
How to Apply
- Online Submission: Submit your application through the official University of Strathclyde / jobs.ac.uk recruitment portal quoting Job Reference: 840175.
- Informal Inquiries: For informal questions regarding the research project or the position, contact Dr. Pablo Poggi (Research Fellow) directly at pablo.poggi@strath.ac.uk.
- Interview Schedule: Initial interviews are scheduled to take place in November 2026.
Last Date to Apply
21st October 2026
