Research Associate in Optimal Control of Open Quantum Systems

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. 

Overview

The University of Sheffield invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) on Open Quantum Systems theory funded by the EPSRC working with Dr Jake Iles-Smith. Environmentally induced noise remains a key barrier to scalable solid-state quantum technologies (QTs), preventing precise control over quantum states in systems such as quantum dots (QDs) and colour centres in crystaline materials. This project seeks to enhance the efficiency and robustness of quantum technologies by developing a versatile framework, combining tensor network methods, optimal control theory, and machine learning, to design control protocols that minimize decoherence and dissipation in quantum systems strongly influenced by their environment. This project will impact the broader field of QTs by advancing reliable control techniques, making scalable and high-fidelity quantum devices more feasible for practical applications in computing, sensing, and communication.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and combining non-perturbative open quantum systems theory with optimal control theory. This will include both analytic methods, such as those based on the master equation formalism, as well as numerically exact methods, such as the time evolved matrix product operator formalism. The project will involve active discussion with project partner Dr Alistair Brash to actively develop optimal control protocols that can be implemented in the laboratory.

The position is based within the Physics research cluster under the supervision of Dr. Jake Iles-Smith, with close collaboration with project partners Dr Alistair Brash (University of Sheffield) and Dr Thomas Elliot (University of Manchester). Applicants should have a strong background in open quantum systems theory, particularly in non-perturbative regimes, quantum optics, and a working knowledge of optimisation frameworks.

Main duties and responsibilities

Develop open quantum systems formalism to simulate solid-state quantum emitters.
Develop optimisation frameworks for improving the control of solid-state quantum devices
Engage with experimental groups and use formalism to analyse experimental data
Interact and closely collaborate with colleagues in the group, and the wider consortium.
Provide supervision to junior researchers including master students and PhD students.
Write manuscripts based on your work and the team’s work for research journals.
Present work at external scientific meetings, planning well ahead of the deadline.
Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies.
  
  • Paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies.
  • Support for those going through the menopause.
  • Paid time off and support for fertility treatment.
  • And more.