Research Assistant /Associate In Quantum

Salary:
Research Assistant £31,396 - £32,982 per annum
Research Associate £33,966 - £41,732 per annum
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent . We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Closing Date: 21 February 2024
The role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the School of Computing as a Research Assistant/Associate in the InnovateUK project ‘Feasibility Study on Quantum Optimisation of Aircraft Container Loading’. The project will be in collaboration with Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, and with two industrial partners: the UK National Quantum Computing Centre and Unisys UK.
The role of the post holder is to work on the following topics of interest:

• Analysing and evaluating the quantum optimisation potential aimed at supporting the Use Cases
• Uncovering quantum optimisation strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities
• Working on implementation and verification of the algorithms is quantum programs
• Providing and validating the knowledge and identifying the resources needed

We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment and we would be happy to discuss arrangements for flexible and/or blended working.
This position is available on a full time and fixed term basis ending on 31st August 2024. To apply, please complete an online application and upload a plain text copy of your CV and covering letter only. In your cover letter, please highlight how your skills align with or go beyond the essential requirements for the role. Kindly note that any other ‘additional documents’ you upload to the job portal might not be reviewed by the panel.
For more information about the project, please contact Prof Thomas Gross at .
For more information School of Computing and our research, please click .
Key Accountabilities

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator
• To work with the Principal Investigator and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator and offering creative or innovative solutions
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses

The post-holder is employed to work on a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.
The Person (Essential)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience in conducting high quality academic research
• Evidence of being able to conduct research in at least one of the areas of Quantum Computing and/or Annealing, Quantum Programming, Mathematics, Computer Engineering/Science, or closely related fields
• Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals
• Demonstrable ability to present research papers at national/international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community

Desirable:

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career
• A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career
• Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics

Attributes and Behaviour

• Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings
• Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines
• Demonstrate strong mathematical ability
• Demonstrate programming ability in Quantum languages

Desirable:

• Demonstrable commitment to the values of equality and diversity in all aspects of your work
• Ability to set research goals, be self-motivated and proactive
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research

Qualifications

• A PhD awarded (or nearing completion) in one of the following fields: Quantum Computing and/or Annealing, Quantum Programming, Mathematics, Computer Engineering/Science, or closely related fields

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a silver award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 26047