{"id":1246619,"url":"https://alion.io/job/heriot-watt-university-research-associate-in-ai-algorithms-for-spin-based-quantum-technology","title":"Research Associate in \"AI Algorithms for Spin-Based Quantum Technology\"","company":{"id":1762508,"name":"Heriot-Watt University","domain":"hw.ac.uk","url":"https://alion.io/company/hw-ac-uk","size_band":"501-1000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Oracle","truth_index":null},"role":"AI/ML","role_family":"AI/ML","seniority":null,"employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Edinburgh, United Kingdom"],"countries":["GB"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":86000,"max_usd":229000,"period":"year","method":"role_country_seniority_unknown","sample_n":127},"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"C++","optional":false},{"name":"Machine Learning","optional":false},{"name":"MATLAB","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":false},{"name":"Reinforcement Learning","optional":false}],"status":"closed","first_seen_at":"2026-09-24T09:00:00Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-24","last_verified_at":"2026-10-10T14:38:34Z","board_verified":false,"closed_at":"2026-10-10T14:38:34Z","days_open":16,"trust":{"level":"not_scored","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":16},"description":"Role: Research Associate in “AI Algorithms for Spin-Based Quantum Technology “\nGrade and Salary: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389per annum\nContract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term for 24 months\nHoliday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)\nAbout our Team\nWe offer a post-doctoral position related to the “Quantum Sensors for Biomedical Research” (Q-BIOMED) hub, with the goal to develop novel AI-enhanced protocols for quantum sensing.\nDetailed Description\nWe are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our team working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and quantum sensing. The positions will focus on the development and deployment of real-time AI methods for the autonomous optimisation of spin-based quantum sensors associated to solid-state defects.\nThe successful candidates will join a research environment that has pioneered adaptive quantum sensing approaches combining quantum hardware with real-time machine learning. Examples of recent advances from our group include the demonstration of real-time adaptive quantum sensing with NV centres in diamond (see e.g. Phys. Rev. Applied 21, 024026 (2024)) and the development of scalable Bayesian inference techniques for high-dimensional parameter estimation problems relevant to nanoscale magnetic resonance imaging (see e.g. PRX Quantum 7, 020360 (2026)).\nThe successful candidate has a background in artificial intelligence, machine learning, applied mathematics, computer science, or theoretical physics. They will develop advanced algorithms based on Bayesian experimental design, variational Bayesian inference, and reinforcement learning to enable quantum sensors to autonomously decide what measurement to perform next, learn from incoming data in real time, and optimise their own performance. The ultimate goal is to push quantum sensing towards transformative applications such as imaging and characterising individual molecules, detecting and controlling single nuclear spins, and pushing magnetic resonance experiments to detect e.g. single cancer cells.\nKey Duties and Responsibilities\nThe key tasks of this project are to undertake research in the following areas:\nDevelop robust multi-parameter quantum sensing protocols based on reinforcement learning \nCollaborate with experimental colleagues in the implementations of the protocol on state-of-the-art quantum control hardware \nIntellectual property protection with a view to develop near and future market applications \nGeneral tasks involve scientific research; analysis and interpretation of data; daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; preparation of scientific papers; presentation of research at conferences. \nTo carry out the research project to a high standard;\nMeeting planned milestones and deliverables. \nReporting progress regularly to supervisors, both verbally and in written reports \nKeeping clear written records of work done, and storing data in accessible formats according to a system agreed with the project supervisor. \nTo collaborate with partners within the project and others as appropriate:\nThe post holder will join the Quantum Photonics Laboratory and will be expected to work collaboratively and cooperatively in a team environment; this involves shared use of laboratory equipment (therefore effective communication between group members is essential), and giving periodic presentations to group meetings. \nAssist the development of student research skills, and be expected to contribute to the assessment of student knowledge in the context of teaching and supervision duties. \nThe post holder will be expected to maintain and develop collaborations with internal and external partners in the field. \nDissemination of results:\nAttend group and project meetings, communicating progress on a regular basis. Deliver presentations to project collaborators and the wider research community \nWrite high quality research papers in English for the scientific literature. \nDisseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences, and/or other appropriate media. \nOther duties\nUnderstand the intellectual property landscape relevant to the project and seek to protect the methods and techniques developed during the course of the project. \nDevelop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research with the assistance of a mentor, if required. \nBuild internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration. Work with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest and contribute to collaborative decision making. Join external networks to share information and identify potential sources of funds. \nContribute, under supervision, to the planning of research projects, including the development of new grant/contract proposals. Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration. \nThe ideal candidate will have a strong theoretical understanding and an experimental background in one or more of the following fields: condensed-matter physics, quantum optics, and quantum information science, preferentially with some previous expertise on spin control. \nThe successful candidate will be expected to conduct and lead their own experiments whilst also supervising the activities of junior group members and PhD students. \nResponsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators. \nThe successful candidate is also expected to be involved in our outreach activities, with roles that can be tuned to the specific preferences of the candidate but will involve for example interviews, talks for the general public and preparation of experimental demonstrators. \nEducation, Qualifications and Experience\nEssential Criteria\nA PhD in computer science, electrical engineering, theoretical physics or related subjects (or expected to be awarded a PhD soon) \nA sound grasp of probability theory. Bayesian inference, machine learning \nA demonstrated track-record (during a PhD degree or post-doctoral research) of: \nDevelopment of mathematical modelling and numerical simulations \nDevelopment of algorithms \nPrimary author contributions to peer-reviewed journals \nExperience of programming (C++ or Python or MATLAB) for data acquisition and analysis. \nA record of high quality publications, as appropriate for the stage in career, and evidence of contribution to the writing of these publications proportionate to opportunity. \nAbility to articulate research work, both in technical reports / papers and by oral presentation \nAbility to formulate and progress work on their own initiative \nEvidence of research ability: problem solving, flexibility \nMust be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt and more widely with the collaborators at other Universities \nExperience in writing and managing peer-reviewed papers. \nExperience in public presentations of scientific results (e.g. conference talks) \nDesirable Criteria\nGood understanding of NMR/EPR techniques \nGood understanding of artificial intelligence (particularly Bayesian experiment design and reinforcement learning) \nExperience in leading the writing of scientific papers. \nEvidence of ability, subject to opportunity, to guide other researchers, e.g. PhD students and undergraduate project students. \nExperience of research-student supervision. \nCapability to be self-directed and think innovatively. \nEnergy and enthusiasm for the project. \nHow to Apply\nPlease submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV\nApplications can be submitted until midnight on Thursday 08 October 2026.\nHeriot-WattUniversity is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities.Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.\nHeriot-WattUniversity values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ .\nWe welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.\nUse our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.","description_format":"text","description_chars":9038,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":null,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"phd","optional":false},"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":["Annual leave","Flexible schedule","Stock options"],"hiring_locations":[],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Education","Higher Education"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-09-25T17:47:39Z"},{"event":"close","at":"2026-10-10T14:38:34Z"}],"visa":[{"country":"GB","licensed_sponsor":true,"evidence":"Licensed UK visa sponsor (Skilled Worker)","filings_12m":null,"filings_prev_12m":null,"green_card_filings_12m":null,"median_offered_wage_usd":null,"route":"Skilled Worker","cap_exempt":false,"checked_at":"2026-11-05T06:29:30+00:00","sources":["UK Home Office: register of licensed sponsors (workers)"],"filings_for_role_12m":0}],"liveness":null,"pay":null,"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/heriot-watt-university-research-associate-in-ai-algorithms-for-spin-based-quantum-technology","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/heriot-watt-university-research-associate-in-ai-algorithms-for-spin-based-quantum-technology.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-11-05T14:59:28Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","about":"Alion is a live layer of people, companies and AI agents: who they are, whether they are real and active right now, what they do and how to work with them, readable by people and by agents and paid per call.","catalog":"https://alion.io/catalog.json","usage":{"tier":"crawler_verified","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":19415,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":300,"resets_at":"2026-11-06T00:00:00Z"}},"offers":[{"id":"company.slices","title":"One company in depth, by slice","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002,"plus_per_slice":{"credits":0.05,"usd":0.005}},"unit":"per company, plus each slice with data","note":"the employer in depth","call":{"mcp_tool":"get_company","arguments":{"id":1762508},"rest":"https://alion.io/mcp/rest/get_company?id=1762508"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.slices&for=job%2Fheriot-watt-university-research-associate-in-ai-algorithms-for-spin-based-quantum-technology"},{"id":"market.stats","title":"A market slice: pay, demand and time to fill","status":"live","price":{"credits":1,"usd":0.1},"unit":"per slice","note":"pay, demand and time to fill for this role and place","call":{"mcp_tool":"market_stats"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=market.stats&for=job%2Fheriot-watt-university-research-associate-in-ai-algorithms-for-spin-based-quantum-technology"},{"id":"job.search","title":"Open jobs by role, technology, place, pay and visa","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002},"unit":"per posting in a list","note":"similar open postings","call":{"mcp_tool":"search_jobs"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=job.search&for=job%2Fheriot-watt-university-research-associate-in-ai-algorithms-for-spin-based-quantum-technology"},{"id":"company.verify","title":"Is this company real and active right now","status":"pilot","price":null,"unit":"per company","request":{"url":"https://alion.io/catalog/request","method":"POST","body":"{\"offer\": \"company.verify\", \"for\": \"job/heriot-watt-university-research-associate-in-ai-algorithms-for-spin-based-quantum-technology\", \"note\": \"what you need it for\"}"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.verify&for=job%2Fheriot-watt-university-research-associate-in-ai-algorithms-for-spin-based-quantum-technology"}],"agent":{"mcp":"https://alion.io/mcp/jobs","mcp_open":"https://alion.io/mcp/open","next":[{"tool":"get_job","arguments":{"id":1246619}},{"tool":"search_jobs","arguments":{"company":"hw.ac.uk","detail":"compact"}},{"tool":"match_people","arguments":{"job_id":1246619},"note":"people open to offers who fit this vacancy"}],"note":"The same data through MCP tools: https://alion.io/mcp/open needs no sign-in (compact searches, postings, people); https://alion.io/mcp with an Alion account has everything. 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