Postdoctoral Research Fellow
| Posting date: | 24 November 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £43,482 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 15 December 2025 |
| Location: | Exeter, Devon |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | University of Exeter |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | Q11956 |
Summary
The starting salary will be up to £43,482 on Grade F34, depending on qualifications and experience, due to the terms of the funding. Further pay scale information can be found here: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/staff/employment/payroll/.
The above full-time (1.0FTE) post is available from early January 2026 on a 24-month fixed-term basis only, in the Department of Physics within the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy.
The post
The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in the theoretical physics research efforts of the research team led by Dr. Downing in the Department of Physics (https://physics-astronomy.exeter.ac.uk/). This Royal Society funded post is available immediately and it will last for a maximum of 24 months due to the terms of the funding. The successful applicant will conduct high-quality theoretical physics research in areas associated with quantum optics, quantum technologies, quantum information and topological physics –leading to good scientific publications in leading international journals. The latest scientific publications of Dr. Downing and the team show the current research interests of the group, which can be found here: https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/24273-charles-downing/publications.
The post will include: conducting high-quality research in theoretical quantum physics; preparing and publishing scientific papers in leading international journals; the development of research objectives, projects and proposals; presentations at conferences and other events; working collaboratively and supervising the work of others; and identifying sources of research funding and contributing to the process of securing research funds.
About you
The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.
Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in theoretical physics and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Applicants will have an excellent track record in their research outputs, including high-quality publications in scientific journals.
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 Dr. Charles Downing, e-mail c.a.downing@exeter.ac.uk. The university webpage of the research team can be found here: https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/24273-charles-downing/about.
The closing date for completed applications is Monday 15th December at midnight. Interviews are expected to take place shortly after the closing date.
The above full-time (1.0FTE) post is available from early January 2026 on a 24-month fixed-term basis only, in the Department of Physics within the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy.
The post
The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in the theoretical physics research efforts of the research team led by Dr. Downing in the Department of Physics (https://physics-astronomy.exeter.ac.uk/). This Royal Society funded post is available immediately and it will last for a maximum of 24 months due to the terms of the funding. The successful applicant will conduct high-quality theoretical physics research in areas associated with quantum optics, quantum technologies, quantum information and topological physics –leading to good scientific publications in leading international journals. The latest scientific publications of Dr. Downing and the team show the current research interests of the group, which can be found here: https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/24273-charles-downing/publications.
The post will include: conducting high-quality research in theoretical quantum physics; preparing and publishing scientific papers in leading international journals; the development of research objectives, projects and proposals; presentations at conferences and other events; working collaboratively and supervising the work of others; and identifying sources of research funding and contributing to the process of securing research funds.
About you
The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.
Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in theoretical physics and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Applicants will have an excellent track record in their research outputs, including high-quality publications in scientific journals.
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 Dr. Charles Downing, e-mail c.a.downing@exeter.ac.uk. The university webpage of the research team can be found here: https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/24273-charles-downing/about.
The closing date for completed applications is Monday 15th December at midnight. Interviews are expected to take place shortly after the closing date.
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