Graduate Trapped Ion Physicist

UKRI; England; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A national organization for research advancements in the UK is seeking a graduate for a quantum computing role. The successful candidate will engage in the design and development of quantum systems, supported by a team to foster growth in quantum science. A minimum 2:1 degree in a relevant field and programming experience in Python are essential. Employee benefits include 30 days holiday and flexible working hours.

Benefits

30 days holiday

Flexible working hours

Defined contribution pension scheme

Public transport links

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Achieved, or on course to achieve, a minimum 2:1 degree in a relevant field.
• Demonstrable interest in quantum science and technology.
• Experience in working in a laboratory.
• Experience in programming in Python or similar.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, assemble, and optimize ion trap quantum computing systems.
• Contribute to software and experimental control systems.
• Communicate progress with NQCC scientists.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Programming in Python

Good communication skills

Teamwork skills

Interest in quantum science

Education

Minimum 2:1 degree in a relevant field

Tools

Lasers

Optics

Vacuum systems

Job description

Overview

The NQCC is the UK's national centre for quantum computing, dedicated to accelerating its development by addressing the challenges of scaling up the technology. Our vision is to enable the UK to solve some of the most complex and challenging problems facing society by harnessing the potential of quantum computing.

Headquartered at STFC's Rutherford Appleton Laboratory site at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, the centre is working with businesses, government, and the research community to deliver quantum computing capabilities for the UK and support the growth of the emerging industry.

The NQCC's Trapped Ions Quantum Computing Team is on the lookout for a graduate to work with scientists and support our development of quantum computing hardware. Your skills will be developed and be supported by an encouraging team working towards the NQCC's goals of delivering scalable quantum computing capabilities. This will include the opportunity to work across one or more of the following elements:

• Hands-on development (laser systems, cryogenic systems, vacuum systems, electronics)
• Measurements and data analysis
• Software for experimental control
• Horizon scoping and planning

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working individually and as part of a team especially if you are interested in quantum science and technology!

Graduate Scheme

The STFC Graduate scheme will give you the opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion early in your journey with us, supported by technical training and a broader programme of career support and training and development.

Our dedicated Graduate Development Team will provide the right combination of challenge and support throughout, helping you achieve your ambitions. We know that professional recognition is also important to you too, so we will provide mentoring and expertise to help you achieve valued qualifications or chartered status in your chosen field.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, development, assembly, and optimisation of ion trap quantum computing systems
• Contributing to software and experimental control systems
• Communicating progress and discussing results with NQCC scientists
• Representing the NQCC at STFC and external events with commercial and academic partners and collaborators

Person Specification

In order to apply for the role we are looking for the following:

Essential:

• Achieved, or be on course to achieve, a minimum 2:1 degree, in a relevant field of study (S)
• Have the right to live and work in the UK at time of starting employment (S)
• A demonstrable interest in quantum science and technology (S&I)
• Experience in working in a laboratory - in particular with optics, lasers, or vacuum systems (S&I)
• Good communication skills (S&I)
• Experience working in a team, and able to demonstrate autonomy within their area of responsibility (S&I)
• Experience in programming in Python (or similar languages) - in particular for experimental control (S&I)

Desirable:

• Technical knowledge in quantum computing (S&I)

Employee Benefits

We are offering a permanent 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 average salary pension scheme.
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/

Eligibility and Application Guidance

As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y

How to Apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

About the Team

The Science and Technology Facilities Council is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation where curiosity-driven, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people - and more broadly to the world.

One of Europe's largest research organisations, we're trusted to support, enable and undertake cutting-edge projects in an amazing diversity of fields. Through world-class facilities and people, we're driving ground-breaking advances in science, engineering, computing and technology. Our research seeks to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, yet creates impact on a very tangible, human scale.

For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/

You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/