"Research Fellow in Quantum sensing for civil engineering applications"

University of Birmingham - College of Engineering, and Physical Sciences

Location: Birmingham

Salary: £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to February 2028

Placed On: 18th February 2026

Closes: 11th March 2026

Job Ref: 105532

Background

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to drive the underground infrastructure theme within the Quantum Technology Research Hub in Sensors, Imaging and Timing (www.quisit.org). The successful candidate will focus on designing and conducting large scale laboratory and field trials using a range of geophysical equipment such as Ground Penetrating Radar or gravimeters (e.g. Scintrex CG6) to provide benchmark data as well as the quantum technology gravity gradient sensor. This involves close liaison with colleagues across campus, especially as part of QuSIT, partner institutions, project partners and asset or land owners. This role will involve working closely with civil engineers, computational modellers, physicists, and geophysicists to organise trials addressing scientific research questions. Work with asset owners will also concentrate on determining the value of the data.

Role Summary

• Design and conduct large-scale laboratory and field trials aimed at underground infrastructure
• Use classical geophysical sensors (e.g. GPR, gravimeter, magnetometer) as well as participate in using the quantum technology sensors
• Process, analyse and interpret data from the trials, using existing models and develop new techniques

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Design and conduct large-scale laboratory and field trials aimed at underground infrastructure
• Seek out trial opportunities in collaboration with the wider team and the project partners
• Use classical geophysical sensors (e.g. GPR, gravimeter, magnetometer) as well as participate in using the quantum technology sensors
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to process, analyse and interpret the data from the trials, using existing approaches and developing new ones
• Contribute to publications, reports, and presentations, and support project coordination and stakeholder engagement
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding

Person Specification

• PhD (or near to completion) in physics, engineering, geophysics, or a related field
• Strong background in using geophysical equipment (e.g. GPR, gravimeter, magnetometer) in field or large-scale tests
• Proficiency in scientific computing (e.g. Python, MATLAB, or similar) for data processing and data handling
• Experience with data processing, analysis and interpretation
• Excellent interdisciplinary communication – Strong collaborative skills to work effectively with physicists, engineers, geoscientists and asset owners.
• High level analytical capability

Informal enquiries to Professor Nicole Metje, email: n.metje@bham.ac.uk or telephone 0121 414 4182

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.