Postdoctoral Research Assistant

University of Oxford - Department of Engineering Science

Location: Oxford

Salary: £38,674 to £46,913 per annum. Grade 7

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 7th August 2025

Closes: 6th October 2025

About the role: Dr Zhenyu Cai’s research group in the Department of Engineering Science seeks a highly motivated and exceptionally talented quantum theorist to lead projects aimed at developing a full-stack approach to suppressing errors in quantum hardware. This research focuses on achieving practical quantum computation by integrating techniques ranging from hardware-level noise suppression, quantum error mitigation, all the way to full fault-tolerant computation.

This post is primarily funded by the EPSRC Quantum Technologies Fellowship held by Dr Cai. The appointee will benefit from Oxford’s vibrant quantum research environment, with opportunities for close collaboration with researchers across different departments and also under the Oxford Quantum Hub and Oxford Quantum Institute. Although theory-focused, the position encourages engagement with experimental partners, including those in industry. The project will support research visits and joint activities with these collaborators.

The research will involve both analytical work and numerical computations. The balance between analytical and numerical type work is flexible and can depend on the preferences and skills of the successful applicant. Access to high-performance computing facilities and cloud-based quantum hardware will be provided to support simulation and verification of theoretical methods.

About you: The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge theoretical research in topics including (but not limited to): Quantum architectures, compilation, and scalable quantum systems; Quantum error correction; Quantum error mitigation; Hardware implementation of quantum error correction/mitigation protocols.

What we offer: At the University of Oxford, your happiness and wellbeing at work is important to us. We have a number of generous benefits including 38 days' annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and fixed closure days), generous pension schemes and free access to the Oxford colleges.

How to apply: Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and should include a supporting statement (describing how you meet the criteria - < 3 pages excluding references), a CV - Please highlight two or three most significant publications, each with a short paragraph (100 words or so) on their significance. A statement of research interests (< 3 pages excluding references). As part of your application, you will be asked to provide details of two referees and indicate whether we can contact them now.

Applicants whose research experience is not directly in quantum error mitigation or quantum error correction should address this in both of their statements and explain why they are suitable for the role. The position is a full-time fixed term post available for 36 months. Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Zhenyu Cai: zhenyu.cai@eng.ox.ac.uk

The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria. The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.