Research Fellow in Quantum Machine Learning - School of Computer Science - 105899 - Grade 7

Position Details

School of Computer Science

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2028

Closing date: 13th August 2025

Background

This research project aims to establish the theoretical and algorithmic foundations of quantum adversarial machine learning, an emerging field at the intersection of quantum computing and machine learning. It investigates how the unique capabilities of quantum computing can be leveraged to accelerate learning from both classical and quantum data. 

The project will develop rigorous theoretical frameworks to understand key properties of quantum machine learning models—expressivity, generalization, and adversarial robustness, and the inter-play between them.  These foundational insights will guide the design of novel algorithmic strategies, pushing the boundaries of quantum-enhanced learning.  This 2.5-year postdoctoral position is funded by the Principal Investigator’s recently awarded EPSRC Quantum Technologies Career Acceleration Fellowship.  

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids 
• Operate within area of specialism 
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results 
• Contribute to generating funding 
• Actively publish in top journals and conference 
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar 

Main Duties

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

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required 
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding 
• Analyse and interpret data 
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding 
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc 
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline 
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 
• Undertake management/administration arising from research 
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration 
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader 
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture. 

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications/experience 
• High level analytical capability 
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly 
• Essential criteria: Demonstrated research experience with publications in top journals (or conferences) in one or more of the following areas: Quantum machine learning, Quantum algorithms, Quantum information theory or Theoretical Physics 
• Essential criteria: Proficiency in at least one programming language, with a strong preference for Python. 
• Desirable criteria: Additional experience in machine learning, statistical learning theory or related fields 
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones 
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes 
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project 
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort 
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly 

Informal enquiries to Sharu Jose, email: s.t.jose@bham.ac.uk 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.