Research Associate in Quantum Optics and Optical Spectroscopy of Two-Dimensional Materials

Role: Research Associate in Quantum Optics and Optical Spectroscopy of Two-Dimensional Materials 

Grade and Salary: Grade 7 (£37,694 - £47,389)

FTE and working pattern: Full-time (35 hours per week), Fixed Term for 3 years  

Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday) 

Purpose of Role 

The Quantum Photonics Laboratory (QPL) at Heriot-Watt University is an internationally recognised research group working at the interface of quantum photonics, condensed matter physics, and two-dimensional materials. The group comprises approximately 25 researchers, including academic staff, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students, and conducts research spanning quantum light sources, strongly correlated quantum materials, van der Waals heterostructures, moiré materials, and spin-based quantum technologies. 

The laboratory operates state-of-the-art facilities for cryogenic optical spectroscopy, quantum optics, nanofabrication, and automated assembly of complex two-dimensional material heterostructures. Researchers within the group collaborate extensively with leading academic and industrial partners internationally, providing an exciting and highly interdisciplinary research environment. 

The Quantum Photonics Laboratory seeks a highly motivated experimental physicist to undertake research on the optical and quantum-optical properties of atomically thin semiconductors and van der Waals heterostructures. 

The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary project exploring light-matter interactions in two-dimensional materials, with particular emphasis on excitons, spin-valley physics, nonlinear optical phenomena, quantum light generation, and emerging quantum photonic functionalities. The research will combine advanced optical spectroscopy techniques with the fabrication and characterisation of layered semiconductor heterostructures. 

A major focus of the project will be the development and application of low-temperature optical spectroscopy techniques—including photoluminescence, differential reflectance, Raman spectroscopy, magneto-optical spectroscopy, time-resolved spectroscopy, second-harmonic generation, and quantum optical measurements—to investigate excitonic, spin-valley, and many-body phenomena in engineered van der Waals, twisted, and moiré material systems. The project will also explore nonlinear optical processes and quantum light generation in layered materials, including spontaneous parametric down-conversion and the characterisation of entangled photon states. In addition, the project will investigate how layered materials can be integrated with nanophotonic and metasurface platforms to realise enhanced and programmable nonlinear optical functionalities. 

The post holder will have access to a wide range of experimental facilities within the Quantum Photonics Laboratory, including cryogenic spectroscopy platforms, high magnetic field systems, single-photon detection technologies, advanced nanofabrication facilities, and automated systems for the assembly of two-dimensional material heterostructures. The successful candidate will be expected to take a leading role in designing experiments, analysing data, publishing results in high-impact journals, and contributing to the supervision of junior researchers. 

 Key Duties & Responsibilities 

Research 

• Conduct world-leading experimental research on the optical and quantum-optical properties of two-dimensional semiconductors and van der Waals heterostructures. 
• Design, build, and optimise advanced optical spectroscopy experiments, including low-temperature and magnetic-field-dependent measurements. 
• Perform linear and nonlinear optical characterisation of semiconductor heterostructures using techniques such as photoluminescence, differential reflectance, Raman spectroscopy, second-harmonic generation, and magneto-optical spectroscopy. 
• Investigate excitonic, spin-valley, many-body, and quantum optical phenomena in atomically thin materials. 
• Develop and perform experiments on quantum light generation in layered materials, including spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC). 
• Characterise entangled photon states using coincidence measurements, Bell-state analysis, quantum state tomography, and related quantum-optical techniques. 
• Participate in the fabrication and characterisation of van der Waals heterostructures. 
• Analyse experimental data and develop physical models to interpret observations. 

Project Delivery 

• Carry out the research project to a high scientific standard and meet agreed milestones and deliverables. 
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure data are stored according to agreed data-management procedures. 
• Report research progress regularly to supervisors and project collaborators. 
• Collaboration and Supervision 
• Work collaboratively within the Quantum Photonics Laboratory and with national and international collaborators. 
• Assist in the supervision and mentoring of PhD students, MSc students, and undergraduate project students. 
• Contribute to the maintenance and development of shared experimental facilities. 
• Participate actively in laboratory meetings, collaborative projects, and knowledge exchange activities. 

Dissemination 

• Publish research findings in leading peer-reviewed journals. 
• Present results at international conferences and workshops. 
• Contribute to future research proposals and collaborative funding applications. 
• Engage in outreach and public-engagement activities where appropriate. 

Essential & Desirable Criteria 

Essential 

• A first-class or upper-second-class degree and a PhD (or near completion of a PhD) in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, or a closely related discipline. 
• Strong background in condensed matter physics, semiconductor physics, optics, or quantum optics. 
• Demonstrated experience in optical spectroscopy of semiconductor or quantum material systems. 
• Demonstrated experience with several of the following: Low-temperature optical spectroscopy, Magneto-optical spectroscopy, Time-resolved optical spectroscopy, Nonlinear optical spectroscopy, Quantum optical measurements, Single-photon detection and photon-correlation measurements. 
• Experience designing, assembling, operating, and troubleshooting advanced optical experiments. 
• Experience working with two-dimensional materials, van der Waals heterostructures, twisted materials, moiré materials, semiconductor nanostructures, or related material systems. 
• Evidence of scientific productivity through publications in peer-reviewed journals appropriate to career stage. 
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex experimental datasets. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative research team. 
• Experience presenting scientific results at conferences, workshops, or seminars. 

Desirable 

• Experience with exciton dynamics, spin-valley physics, strongly correlated phenomena, or many-body effects in semiconductor systems. 
• Experience with quantum light sources, spontaneous parametric down-conversion, entangled-photon generation, or quantum-state characterisation. 
• Experience with superconducting single-photon detectors, time-correlated single-photon counting, photon-correlation measurements, or Bell-state analysis. 
• Experience fabricating van der Waals heterostructures using deterministic transfer techniques. 
• Experience with cryogenic instrumentation and low-temperature measurements. 
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar scientific programming environments. 
• Experience supervising or mentoring students. 
• Experience contributing to grant proposals or collaborative research projects. 
• Evidence of ability to work across disciplinary boundaries spanning optics, quantum photonics, materials science, and condensed matter physics. 

How to Apply 

Applications can be submitted up to 23:55 (UK time) on Sunday 12^th of July 2026.  

Please submit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment. 

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part-time working and job share options. 

Heriot-Watt University 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. 

Heriot-Watt University 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/ . 

Use 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. 

About Heriot-Watt University 

At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team. 

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.