Research Fellow in Quantum Information and Spacetime Full-time

Research Fellow In Quantum Information And Spacetime

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 prizewinners. 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.

We invite applications for Research Fellow positions as part of a new initiative to be launched in late 2026 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 initiative involves the theory groups of Profs Jonathan Oppenheim and Sougato Bose, the experimental group of Prof Peter Barker, and more than a dozen other 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)
• 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

For more information, see: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/mathematical-physical-sciences/physics-astronomy/research/interdisciplinary-centres-and-hubs/centre-quantum-information-and-spacetime/opportunities

Positions are expected to start in October 2026. For full consideration, applications should be received by mid-April 2026. However, applications will still be considered on a rolling basis throughout 2026, until all positions are filled.

Postdocs in associated areas are also encouraged to apply, including stochastic analysis, cosmology, 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.

Candidates will need to upload a CV (including a list of publications), research statement, and the names of three referees to their application.

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

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our long-term commitment and 'beacon' status in advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/