Trapped Ion Physicist - Quantum Computing

Location: RAL, Harwell Campus - Oxfordshire

Contract: Up to 2 x Permanent Positions

Hours: Full-time(We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

Visa Sponsorship: We are able to sponsor Visa applications, reimburse application fees, and encourage international candidates to apply. A relocation package may be available.

Discover the kind of impact you can make when you work with some of the best facilities and brightest scientists in the world.

Who are we?

As part of the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is leading a programme to establish a National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). This includes a commitment of £93m over 5 years, dedicated to drive development in the field of Quantum Computing and to place the UK at the forefront of the field.

Our primary purpose is to fill a key gap in the research and innovation landscape addressing the challenge of scaling quantum computing.

The Role

The trapped ions quantum computing team works with and contributes to the UK’s ion trap ecosystem. Internal projects are focused on technology development including building modular systems, high-fidelity high-speed gate operations, and scaling. External collaborations are focused on enabling technologies and supply chain development such as miniaturisation of ion trap packaging and remote entanglement.

In this role you will primarily be developing and building ion trap systems, whilst interfacing with the NQCC’s software and applications teams to push the technology readiness level of ion traps for quantum computing. Your skills will enhance and be supported by a diverse team working towards the NQCC’s goals of delivering scalable quantum computing capabilities and building a quantum ready UK economy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, development, assembly, and optimisation of ion trap quantum computing systems
• Developing experiments, device characteristics, and materials to drive improved qubit performance
• Developing scaling strategies and designs
• Working closely with colleagues across the NQCC to implement the architecture and deploy services
• Making site visits to commercial and academic partners and collaborators
• Publishing results and attending conferences and workshops
• The opportunity to manage the NQCC’s contributions in external projects

The successful candidate must exhibit a pragmatic demeanor towards the work of others, particularly in a collaborative environment, whilst having a good eye for detail interpreting and presenting technical performance data.

Not only is this an exciting role at the forefront of science and technology, but the successful candidate will also gain excellent experience of large-scale systems integration across a variety of collaborations in the quantum computing eco-system.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Educated to PhD level or equivalent relevant experience in a Physics, Computer Science, or Engineering related field.
• Technical knowledge in quantum computing
• Experience in ion trapping. Previous neutral atom trapping experience is also applicable at partial credit
• Experience in working in a laboratory or R&D environment
• Strong communication skills and the ability to influence internal staff and end users
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, but also demonstrate autonomy within their area of responsibility

Our Benefits: 

Our Benefits include a flexible working scheme (subject to business requirements), Defined benefit pension scheme, and 30 days annual leave allowance plus 10.5 bank holiday/privilege days and several other benefits. 

Join us and discover what’s possible!

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above