"Postdoctoral Research Associate - Quantum Physics and Optimal Control"

University of Exeter - Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

Placed On: 22nd January 2026

Closes: 22nd February 2026

Job Ref: Q13142

Salary Details
The starting salary will be from £34,610 on Grade E, depending on qualifications and experience.
The above full-time post is available from 1st April 2026 until 31st March 2027 on a fixed-term basis, within the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy.

The Post
The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of Prof. Kattnig. This post, partly funded by an unrestricted gift from Google, is available from 1st April 2026 for 12 months on a fixed-term basis. The successful applicant will develop and apply advanced theoretical and computational frameworks, including quantum optimal control, stochastic wavefunction methods, and Floquet theory, to design electromagnetic waveforms that can selectively discriminate and disrupt proposed spin-based quantum effects in complex biological systems.

The post will include implementing and optimising quantum-dynamical simulations, developing gradient-based optimal control algorithms for periodically driven open quantum systems, performing large-scale GPU/HPC calculations, applying the methods to leading quantum-biological hypotheses, and contributing to the dissemination of results.

About you
The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be able to demonstrate strong knowledge of quantum mechanics and open quantum systems or dynamical systems, practical expertise in (quantum) optimal control and numerical simulation, and advanced programming skills for high-performance scientific computing, together with the ability to work independently on complex interdisciplinary research problems.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role, by clicking the 'apply' button.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research.
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly.
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development.
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career.
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy.
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

Further information
For further information please contact Prof. Daniel Kattnig, e-mail d.r.kattnig@exeter.ac.uk or telephone (01392) 727479.