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Physics World
Senior Quantum Scientist (Trapped Ions)
Didcot On-site 5-10 yrs exp Book and Periodical Publishing 46 employees
Trapped Ion Quantum ComputingQuantum Systems EngineeringExperimental System DevelopmentSystem IntegrationQuantum Device Characterisation
Requirements
Applicants should have a PhD in physics, engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience, along with strong quantum computing or related technology knowledge. They should bring hands-on experience with complex experimental quantum systems, experiment design and automation, performance characterisation, and effective multidisciplinary communication.
Job Description
Job Details
Job Title: Senior Quantum Scientist
Salary: £58,346 gross per annum
Contract Type: Up to 2x Permanent
Hours: Full-Time OR Part-Time (minimum 0.8 FTE) (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX
Come and do the kind of science that made you want to become a scientist. Explore the unknown and get to grips with the biggest challenges in Big Science. And, alongside world class engineers, technicians and technologists, use everything you've learnt to find real answers that shape society and improve lives.
Put simply, discover the kind of impact you can make when you work with some of the best facilities and brightest scientists in the world.
About NQCC
The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is the UK’s national laboratory dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of quantum computing. Headquartered at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, the NQCC works across government, industry, and academia to address the engineering challenges of scaling quantum computers and to build a quantum-ready economy. Its mission is to enable the UK to solve complex societal and industrial challenges by harnessing the transformative potential of quantum computing.
The NQCC is a joint initiative of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). It sits alongside other departments within the STFC National Laboratories and has a 10-year funding commitment as part of the National Quantum Strategy
About The Role
The Trapped Ion Quantum Computing team is responsible for delivering trapped ion quantum computing capability at NQCC, supporting both internal system development and the wider UK quantum ecosystem.
The Team’s Mission Is To
This is a highly collaborative role, working across hardware, software, and applications teams, as well as with external partners. It offers the opportunity to influence the technical direction of a national programme while remaining closely engaged with experimental and engineering work.
Key Responsibilities
System and Sub-system Development:
The role provides significant opportunity to gain experience in large-scale system integration across internal teams and external collaborators.
Person Specification
We offer significant development opportunities at the NQCC, but as a starting point you should be able to demonstrate some of the following;
The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).
We are offering this position with a whole host of benefits including:
How To Apply
Online applications only for this role. Please submit your CV and a covering letter that clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation to join STFC and the role you’re applying for. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the file name description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit your application without a covering letter may result in your application not being considered.
Additional Information
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they are appointed. The required security clearance needed is CTC.
For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the United Kingdom for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years as the role requires CTC clearance. However, UK residency less than the outlined periods may not bar you from gaining National Security Vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed for further advice. Please note for anyone who requires sponsorship we can review on a case by case basis.
Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact Recruitment@ukri.org.
Join us and discover what's possible!
Job Title: Senior Quantum Scientist
Salary: £58,346 gross per annum
Contract Type: Up to 2x Permanent
Hours: Full-Time OR Part-Time (minimum 0.8 FTE) (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX
Come and do the kind of science that made you want to become a scientist. Explore the unknown and get to grips with the biggest challenges in Big Science. And, alongside world class engineers, technicians and technologists, use everything you've learnt to find real answers that shape society and improve lives.
Put simply, discover the kind of impact you can make when you work with some of the best facilities and brightest scientists in the world.
About NQCC
The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is the UK’s national laboratory dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of quantum computing. Headquartered at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, the NQCC works across government, industry, and academia to address the engineering challenges of scaling quantum computers and to build a quantum-ready economy. Its mission is to enable the UK to solve complex societal and industrial challenges by harnessing the transformative potential of quantum computing.
The NQCC is a joint initiative of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). It sits alongside other departments within the STFC National Laboratories and has a 10-year funding commitment as part of the National Quantum Strategy
About The Role
The Trapped Ion Quantum Computing team is responsible for delivering trapped ion quantum computing capability at NQCC, supporting both internal system development and the wider UK quantum ecosystem.
The Team’s Mission Is To
- Build the capability to act as the UK’s trusted technical authority in trapped ion quantum computing
- Deliver open architecture quantum computing systems
- Provide technical appraisal of progress towards useful quantum computing
This is a highly collaborative role, working across hardware, software, and applications teams, as well as with external partners. It offers the opportunity to influence the technical direction of a national programme while remaining closely engaged with experimental and engineering work.
Key Responsibilities
System and Sub-system Development:
- Design, develop, assemble, and optimise trapped ion quantum computing sub-systems (e.g. QPU, laser systems, control systems).
- Develop and run experiments to characterise device performance and improve qubit fidelity, stability, and scalability.
- Contribute to the integration of sub-systems into full-stack quantum computing platforms.
- Contribute to system-level design, including requirements, interfaces, and performance targets.
- Support the development of scaling strategies and system architectures.
- Explore trade-offs across sub-systems and their impact on overall system performance.
- Contribute to the development of open-architecture policy & vision documents, system definitions, and system performance reports.
- Ensure work is documented to support reproducibility and knowledge transfer.
- Work closely with internal teams across the NQCC (hardware, software, applications).
- Collaborate with external partners including academia, industry, and national laboratories.
- Participate in site visits, technical exchanges, workshops, and community engagement activities, contributing to the development of the UK quantum computing ecosystem and supply chain.
- Take ownership of technical areas or sub-systems.
- Provide technical input into project direction, planning, and delivery.
- Influence internal and external collaborators through clear communication of technical results.
- Publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
- Present work at conferences, workshops, and internal reviews.
The role provides significant opportunity to gain experience in large-scale system integration across internal teams and external collaborators.
Person Specification
We offer significant development opportunities at the NQCC, but as a starting point you should be able to demonstrate some of the following;
The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).
- PhD in Physics, Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience in quantum systems. (S)
- Strong technical knowledge in quantum computing or closely related technologies. (S&I)
- Experience with trapped ion quantum computing platforms, or significant experience in a closely related quantum technology. (S&I)
- Hands-on experience developing, operating, integrating, and troubleshooting complex experimental quantum systems. (S&I)
- Experience designing, implementing, and automating experiments, including development of software, scripts, or control routines for system operation and characterisation. (S&I)
- Experience characterising, analysing, and improving trapped ion qubit and system performance through experimental measurement, calibration, and performance analysis, including fidelity, noise, stability, and error mechanisms. (S&I)
- Strong communication skills and proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. (S&I)
We are offering this position with a whole host of benefits including:
- 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
- Flexible working hours.
- An excellent defined salary pension scheme.
- Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
- Excellent learning and development opportunities.
- Cycle to work scheme.
How To Apply
Online applications only for this role. Please submit your CV and a covering letter that clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation to join STFC and the role you’re applying for. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the file name description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit your application without a covering letter may result in your application not being considered.
Additional Information
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they are appointed. The required security clearance needed is CTC.
For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the United Kingdom for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years as the role requires CTC clearance. However, UK residency less than the outlined periods may not bar you from gaining National Security Vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed for further advice. Please note for anyone who requires sponsorship we can review on a case by case basis.
Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact Recruitment@ukri.org.
Join us and discover what's possible!
Education
Postgraduate Degree
Skills
Trapped Ion Quantum ComputingQuantum Systems EngineeringExperimental System DevelopmentSystem IntegrationQuantum Device CharacterisationQubit Fidelity ImprovementExperimental DesignExperiment AutomationSoftware and Control RoutinesCalibration and Performance AnalysisNoise and Stability AnalysisSystem ArchitectureTechnical CommunicationMultidisciplinary CollaborationTechnical LeadershipScientific Publishing and Presentations
About Physics World
Physics World helps scientists working in academic and industrial research stay up to date with the latest breakthroughs in physics and interdisciplinary science. We provide an international readership with a unique mix of daily news, opinion and analysis from an award-winning team of science writers and editors.