experimental Physicist

Nu Quantum; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Group DIS cover

Sabbatical after 4 years of service

Referral scheme

Private medical/dental cover

On-site gym

Cycle scheme

Office refreshments

28 days annual leave

Holiday purchase option

Family leave

Job summary

Nu Quantum is seeking an experimental Physicist to join the AMO physics team, developing a quantum-network demonstrator with ion-trapping and integrated micro-cavity technology.

You will design and execute remote-entanglement experiments, mentor AMO staff, and integrate optical, electronic, and UHV systems within a cross-disciplinary environment. Strong collaboration and system-level thinking are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in experimental AMO physics, preferably ion-trapping.
• Hands-on experience with quantum control of qubits with optical fields.
• Deep understanding of qubit control, atomic physics and atom-phonon interactions.
• Experience designing and integrating optical, electronic, and UHV systems.
• Expertise in laser locking, system automation, and real-time control.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute remote-entanglement experiments to benchmark and advance ion-trapping devices with Nu Quantum's integrated micro-cavity technology.
• Mentor and support AMO Physicists, helping them grow technical depth and problem-solving capability.
• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot complex laboratory systems including laser setups, RF/DC electronics, control systems, and UHV hardware.
• Collaborate with Software, Optical, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineers to deliver integrated experimental systems.
• Communicate results and priorities across interdependent workstreams.
• Uphold laboratory safety, documentation, and system reliability.
• Contribute to technical strategy and identify opportunities to improve experimental design and automation.

Skills

AMO physics

Ion trapping

Qubit control

Optical fields

System integration

Experiment design

Lab automation

Real-time control

Education

PhD in physics

Tools

ARTIQ

Laser systems

RF/DC electronics

UHV hardware

Cavity QED

Job description

We're looking for a skilled and experienced experimental Physicist, to join us in building our quantum-network demonstrator - a cornerstone of Nu Quantum's mission to create scalable, high-performance quantum networks. In this role, you'll work at the intersection of atomic physics, cavity QED, and quantum engineering, joining the AMO physics team and collaborating closely with our experts across electronics, optics, and mechanical design. You'll play a key role in integrating Nu Quantum's proprietary qubit-photon interface and cavity microtechnology, helping us push toward state-of-the-art networking rates and fidelities. This is a highly cross-functional, hands-on role where creative problem-solving and system-level thinking are essential. You'll have the opportunity to shape experimental design, drive technical innovation, and directly contribute to the long-term vision of making practical quantum networking a reality. If you're excited by the challenge of connecting the quantum world - and want to work on technology that's defining the field - we'd love to hear from you. Responsibilities

• Design and execute remote-entanglement experiments to benchmark and advance ion-trapping devices with Nu Quantum's integrated micro-cavity technology.
• Mentor and support AMO Physicists, helping them grow technical depth, independence, and problem-solving capability.
• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot complex laboratory systems - including laser setups, RF/DC electronics, control systems, and ultra-high-vacuum hardware.
• Collaborate across disciplines with Software, Optical, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineers, as well as with theory and simulation teams, to deliver integrated experimental systems.
• Keep project teams and Project Management Office aligned through clear, timely communication of results, progress, and priorities across interdependent, fast-moving workstreams.
• Establish and uphold best practices in laboratory safety, documentation, and system reliability.
• Contribute to technical strategy, identifying opportunities to improve experimental design, automation, and scalability.
  We're looking for someone who has:
• Experience in experimental AMO physics, preferably in ion-trapping, or a related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with quantum control of qubits with optical fields, gate optimisation and benchmarking.
• Deep understanding of qubit control, atomic physics and atom-phonon interactions.
• Hands-on experience designing and integrating optical, electronic, and UHV systems.
• Expertise in at least two of these areas: laser locking, system automation, and real-time control (e.g. ARTIQ).
• A system-level mindset - comfortable defining requirements and connecting hardware, software, and control layers.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the confidence to take initiative, make independent technical decisions, and drive solutions forward.
• Willingness to mentor others and a readiness to take ownership of technical direction as the team grows.
• Bonus points for:
• Past experience providing technical leadership within a collaborative team to deliver complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Contributions to project proposals, technical roadmaps or long-term project strategy.
• A proven track record in scientific communication (papers, talks, conferences).
• Experience with cavity QED.
  Join Nu Quantum - Shaping the Future of Technology

Nu Quantum is at the forefront of quantum computing and advanced technology, driven by innovation, diversity, and a commitment to excellence. We're creating an environment where brilliant minds from all backgrounds collaborate to push the boundaries of what's possible. Founded to commercialise research generated over the last decade at the Cavendish Laboratory, Nu Quantum is on a mission to shape the future of quantum information systems. We're working on exciting technology that will improve the utility and accelerate the time-to-market of quantum computing systems. We integrate novel quantum photonic technology to form an efficient and scalable quantum networking infrastructure in partnership with world-leading companies and academic groups.

• Flexible working options
• Group DIS cover (4 x salary)
• 1 month paid Sabbatical after 4 years of service
• Generous Employee Referral Scheme
• Private Medical and Dental Cover (With Vitality and Bupa)
• On-site gym membership
• Cycle scheme
• Refreshments, including fruit and beverages, are available in the office.
• 28 days annual leave, including a 3-day company shutdown period + UK Public Holidays
• Option to purchase up to 5 days holiday per year
• Enhanced paid family leave policies
• Access to the Cambridge Botanical Gardens