Research Associate in Theoretical Computer Science (Quantum and Classical Complexity), University of Cambridge (Prof. Tom Gur)
Job Description
The University of Cambridge has a postdoc in quantum and classical complexity theory in Professor Tom Gur’s group. The work sits where theoretical computer science, mathematics and quantum mechanics meet. The post is funded for one year.
At a glance
- Position: Research Assistant/Associate, fixed term (ref. NR51230)
- Where: Department of Computer Science and Technology, West Cambridge
- Pay: Research Associate £37,694 to £46,049 a year; Research Assistant £34,608 to £35,608 on the ad page
- Funding: One year
- Apply: 1 December 2026
Research topics in the quantum complexity postdoc
- Sublinear algorithms and property testing, classical and quantum
- Cryptography, zero-knowledge proofs and probabilistically checkable proofs
- Locally testable and locally decodable codes
- Computational learning theory
- Structure versus randomness and local-to-global phenomena
- Harmonic analysis and additive combinatorics in theoretical computer science
- Work with faculty and PhD students, and with Cambridge’s quantum computing and theory communities
Why this role matters
Complexity theory decides what quantum computers can and cannot do faster than classical ones. Results here shape quantum cryptography, verification and learning. This post gives a theorist a year in a strong group inside one of the largest theory communities in Europe.
What Cambridge is looking for
- A PhD, or close to finishing one, in computer science or a relevant subject, or equivalent research or industry experience
- Enough research experience and specialist knowledge to work within established research programmes
- Ability to manage your own workload
- Without a PhD awarded, you start as Research Assistant and move to Research Associate when it is awarded
Pay and location
Research Associates are paid £37,694 to £46,049 a year. The ad page gives £34,608 to £35,608 for Research Assistants; the further particulars give a lower starting figure of £33,002 for that grade. The university also pays a 2.5% supplement on base pay. The job is in Cambridge, UK, and funds are for one year. Cambridge must check that every employee can live and work in the UK, so overseas candidates will need a visa.
How to apply
Apply through the official Cambridge page. The closing date is 1 December 2026. Apply online, quoting NR51230, with a cover letter, a CV, a brief research statement and two referees’ contact details. The ad says other documents will not be considered.
See all our postdoc jobs, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: University of Cambridge
Official advertisement: www.jobs.cam.ac.uk
How to prepare for this application
- Name one or two of the listed topics where you already have results, and say what you would prove next
- Read Tom Gur's recent papers on property testing and quantum proofs
- Keep the research statement short; the ad asks for a brief one
- Stick to the four documents asked for; extras are ignored
- If you need a UK visa, check the route early
About the University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest universities in the world. Its Department of Computer Science and Technology, formerly the Computer Laboratory, has a long record in theory, systems and security.
