Research Fellow in Quantum Information and Spacetime

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

About us

UCL is one of the world's top universities based in the heart of London. It is a modern, outward-looking institution. UCL's staff and former students have included 33 Nobel prize winners. It is a truly international community: more than one-third of our student body - more than 50,000 strong - come from 150 countries and nearly one-third of staff are from outside the UK.

The Department of Physics & Astronomy is located in the heart of the historical area of Bloomsbury. Scientific research and study has been a strong feature of UCL since its inception in 1826 and the Department is currently one of the top ranked Physics departments in the country, and indeed the world. We have forged an internationally renowned reputation for being at the forefront of world leading research and providing high class teaching. Those joining us can expect to be part of a dynamic community of Physicists and Astronomers whose enthusiasm for science and innovation is exceptional.

About the role

We invite applications for 2 Research Fellow positions at the David Potter Institute for Quantum Information and Spacetime (DPI-QIS), established at UCL in 2026 with an endowment from the David and Elaine Potter Foundation. The Institute works at the interface of quantum information theory and gravity, using quantum technologies to probe the quantum nature of spacetime. Successful candidates will work within a collaborative environment spanning the Departments of Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, Computer Science, Philosophy and Science and Technology Studies. The Institute involves the theory groups of Profs Sougato Bose, Jonathan Oppenheim and Marika Taylor, the experimental group of Prof Peter Barker, and more than a dozen associate academics.

The research programme spans both theory and experiment, including:

• Developing low-energy experimental proposals to test for the existence of the graviton
• Developing the alternative hypothesis to quantum gravity (the postquantum theory of classical gravity) and comparing its predictions against quantum gravity
• Feasibility studies for experiments using quantum technologies, such as witnessing gravitationally mediated entanglement
• Conducting experiments using levitated harmonic oscillators in optical and magnetic traps
• Placing observational constraints on quantum vs classical theories of gravity via cosmological or astrophysical bounds

Postdocs in associated areas are also encouraged to apply, including quantum field theory, stochastic analysis, cosmology, general relativity, probability theory, open quantum systems, stochastic field theory, quantum information theory, formal verification, and AI in mathematics and physics. The postdocs will have academic freedom to pursue their interests.

For more information, see: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/mathematical-physical-sciences/dpi-qis/opportunities

Positions are expected to start in October 2027, or earlier by arrangement. For full consideration, applications should be received by 15 December 2026.

The post is initially funded for 2 years, with an anticipated start date of October 2027 or earlier by arrangement. The possibility of extending the appointment, potentially for a third year, may be considered subject to additional funding being secured.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL's workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and - for Grade 9 and 10 roles - women.

Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL's policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy.

Our department holds an Athena Swan Silver award in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.