The University of Edinburgh is recruiting up to three Quantum Innovation Fellows, and applications close at 11.59pm UK time tonight, Tuesday 11 November 2026. The fellowships are based in the Quantum Software Lab in the university's School of Informatics, and the roles are full time at 35 hours a week on fixed-term contracts of 24 months, with the possibility of a one-year extension after a successful mid-point review. The posts are advertised at Grade UE08, with a salary of £50,253 to £61,759 a year. Fellows will be recruited as a cohort and will pursue collaborative research within the Quantum Advantage Turbo Charger (QATCH) programme, which supports the UK's National Quantum Strategy. ## What the fellows will work on The fellows will develop high-impact applications of quantum computing across six sectors: healthcare and life sciences, materials and manufacturing, finance, energy, AI and data science, and cybersecurity. They will work alongside research teams at the Quantum Software Lab, domain experts from across the College of Science and Engineering, the National Quantum Computing Centre and QATCH's industry partners. The Quantum Software Lab says the fellowships are designed for ambitious early-career researchers who want to turn frontier quantum research into real-world impact, building end-to-end software pipelines that run on cutting-edge hardware. Successful candidates will help deliver high-impact research, software and intellectual property, support junior researchers and contribute to future funding opportunities. The lab is home to one of the UK's largest academic quantum software research teams. ## Who can apply Applicants should have a demonstrable research track record in quantum computing or a relevant application domain, and ideally at least two years of postdoctoral research or equivalent industry experience. The lab says it welcomes applicants approaching quantum computing from either direction, whether their background is in quantum algorithms, information science or hardware, or they are an expert in one of the application domains looking to unlock long-standing problems in their field. Applications should include a CV and a cover letter mentioning the target sector or sectors the applicant is most keen to contribute to. Informal enquiries can be directed to Professor Julien Michel, QATCH Deputy Director of Impact. Applicants must evidence their right to work in the UK before employment starts, and the university says it is able to sponsor international workers in this role, with successful applicants needing to meet Home Office English language requirements and secure a Skilled Worker visa. ## How to apply before the deadline Applications must be submitted through the university's recruitment system via the link on the Quantum Software Lab vacancies page before 11.59pm UK time on 11 November 2026. Interview dates are yet to be confirmed. The fellowships offer a competitive salary, generous annual leave, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts and family-friendly initiatives, and the university holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of its commitment to gender equality.