Research Specialist (Optics / Quantum)

Recruiter: Mark Thomas

Hiring Manager: Andrew Lord

Career Grade: D

Internal Closing Date: 01/09/2026

About the role

Join BT’s Network’s Research team to help shape the next generation of optical and quantum network capabilities. You’ll turn research into practical outcomes by building proofs of concept, developing demonstrations and supporting field trials across lab, exchange and network environments.

This is a hands-on role for someone with a PhD in optics, optical networks or quantum who enjoys working directly with equipment and wants to apply their research in industry. You’ll join a world-leading group conducting pioneering experiments and collaborating with leading organisations across the global optics and quantum ecosystem.

The role can be based in Ipswich or Bristol and our hybrid working model means you are expected to be in the office / laboratory 3 days per week..

What you’ll be doing

• Build optical and quantum proofs of concept and demonstrations.
• Configure, connect and integrate test equipment and vendor equipment for lab experiments and field trials.
• Verify optical network and quantum system performance in the lab.
• Support trials in operational environments, including exchanges, by installing and provisioning equipment.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across BT working on future optical networks, security and potential quantum services.
• Work with external partners, universities, vendors and other organisations across the optics and quantum ecosystem.
• Help translate emerging research into capabilities that could support BT’s networks, customers and future products.

Essential Skills / Experience

Our three must-have requirements are:

• Hands-on laboratory experience: Practical experience setting up and operating lab equipment, working with optical fibre and building experimental systems—not solely theoretical, modelling or desk-based research.
• A drive to apply research in industry: A clear interest in moving beyond academic research to build, test and demonstrate technology with practical value.
• A relevant PhD would be beneficial: A PhD focused on optics, optical networks or quantum.

Desirable Skills / Experience

You may also bring experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Building optical systems using components such as optical fibre, lasers and receivers.
• Optical transmission, optical networking or quantum systems.
• Configuring IP or Ethernet networks and associated vendor equipment.
• Deploying or building networks in a university, technology vendor, network operator or similar environment.

You do not need to arrive with extensive commercial experience. We welcome candidates from academia with practical hands on experience who are motivated to apply their expertise in industry and develop their understanding of commercial research.

Why join us
You’ll work alongside highly regarded researchers on ambitious optical and quantum projects, with opportunities to contribute to pioneering experiments and practical demonstrations. The team’s position within BT creates broad scope to collaborate with leading companies, universities and specialists worldwide.
This is an opportunity to build on your academic expertise, gain exposure to industrial research and see your work move from the lab towards real network and customer applications.

Our Package

Tailored benefits make a real difference. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range to support your growth, wellbeing, and everyday life. You can design the package to suit you and your lifestyle. Your core benefits include:

10% on target annual bonus

Access to an online private GP 24/7 for you and your immediate family

Market-leading paid carers leave with up to 2 weeks off

Equalised maternity, paternity, and adoption leave – 18 weeks’ full pay and 8 weeks’ half pay

Discounted EE and BT products, including mobile and broadband

Market leading Pension scheme – 5% from you and 10% from us

Holiday purchase scheme

You can select additional benefits, including healthcare, dental, gym memberships and more when you’re ready.

BT Group is the UK’s leading communications group and the holding company behind some of the country’s most recognised brands – including BT, EE, Openreach and Plusnet. Our purpose is as simple as it is ambitious: we connect for good. Our customers include consumers, small, medium and large businesses, public sector organisations and other communications providers.

BT Group’s role is about setting direction, unlocking value and creating the conditions for our brands and businesses to thrive.

Having come through the most capital-intensive phase of our fibre investment, our focus now is on what comes next – simplifying how we operate, using technology and AI to work smarter, and organising ourselves to serve customers better and grow sustainably. Group teams shape strategy, policy, brand, capital allocation and transformation, helping the whole organisation perform at its best.

We have a singular culture that unites all our people: we are customer-first challengers, who are committed, clear and connected. These behaviours unite us as one team to deliver for our colleagues, our customers, our stakeholders and the country. Joining BT Group means working at the heart of a business that matters to the UK, with the opportunity to shape decisions, influence outcomes and help set the future course of one of the country’s most important companies.