Higher Scientist - Cryogenic Electronics and Quantum Technologies

National Physical Laboratory (NPL); Teddington; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid work

On-site labs

Job summary

National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in Teddington invites applications for a Higher Scientist specialising in cryogenic electronics and quantum devices. This hands‑on role supports measurement science, semiconductor quantum devices, cryogenic electronics and precision methodologies to enable scalable quantum technologies, with most work on site.

You will lead experiments, develop measurement capabilities, write automation software (Python, LabVIEW, Matlab), collaborate with industry and academia,

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering or a related discipline OR equivalent industry experience.
• Experience in electronics, low-temperature measurements or development of quantum technologies.
• Strong understanding of electrical characterisation techniques and measurement instrumentation.
• Experience developing experimental software, automation or data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply measurement techniques for cryogenic CMOS devices.
• Establish measurement methodologies for independent performance assessment of quantum technologies.
• Collaborate with industry and academia to address scalable quantum computing challenges.
• Develop automated measurement and data analysis software (Python/LabVIEW/MATLAB).
• Plan experiments, analyse data and develop uncertainty-aware methodologies.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to team knowledge.

Skills

Cryogenic electronics

Quantum devices

Electrical measurement

Data analysis

Python

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Experiment planning

Education

PhD in Physics or Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

Python

MATLAB

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Higher Scientist specialising in cryogenic electronics and quantum devices to join NPL's Quantum Technologies team.

About the Role

NPL plays a unique role in the UK quantum ecosystem, providing independent measurement science, advanced characterisation capabilities and technical leadership that support the development of emerging quantum technologies. The cryogenic electronics team’s work spans semiconductor quantum devices, cryogenic electronics and precision measurement methodologies to enable the scaling of future quantum computing systems.

This is a hands‑on experimental role based in our Teddington laboratories. You will work within a expanding team developing advanced measurement capabilities for cryogenic CMOS technologies, collaborating closely with industrial partners, universities and government stakeholders in scalable quantum technology.

Your work will involve:

• Applying specialist knowledge to the development and application of electrical measurement and characterisation techniques for cryogenic semiconductor and CMOS devices.
• Establishing new measurement methodologies that provide independent and trusted performance assessment for emerging quantum technologies
• Supporting the development of research proposals, collaborative projects and commercial opportunities
• Working collaboratively with industrial and academic partners to address challenges in scalable quantum computing architectures
• Developing automated measurement software, data analysis workflows and experimental control systems e.g. using Python, Labview or Matlab
• Working with engineers, technicians and scientists to ensure the effective operation and maintenance of cryogenic laboratory facilities
• Planning experiments, analysing data and developing uncertainty‑aware measurement methodologies
• Preparing technical reports, scientific publications, conference presentations and customer‑facing outputs
• Building collaborations with industry and academia that strengthen NPL's role in the UK and international quantum technology communities
• Assuming responsibility for the standard of delivery of your own work in accordance with the NPL quality system
• Taking responsibility for health and safety of yourself and others in the course of your work
• Supporting the development and mentoring of more junior scientists, as appropriate
• While some hybrid working may be possible, the majority of the role requires laboratory‑based work on site.

About You

You are a motivated experimental physicist or engineer with experience in electronics, low‑temperature measurements or development of quantum technologies. You enjoy solving challenging experimental problems, developing new measurement capability and working collaboratively.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• A desire to develop new scientific capability and help shape emerging measurement standards for quantum technologies
• Experience in electronics, semiconductor physics, cryogenic electronics, quantum devices or a related area of experimental work
• A strong understanding of electrical characterisation techniques and measurement instrumentation
• Experience developing experimental software, automation or data analysis tools
• A logical and systematic approach to experimental design, troubleshooting and problem solving
• The ability to plan and deliver scientific projects
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• An appreciation of measurement quality, traceability and uncertainty evaluationThe ability to engage constructively with academic, industrial and government stakeholders

Desirable Experience

• Electronics design
• Silicon spin qubits or semiconductor quantum devices
• Cryogenic CMOS technologies
• Low‑noise and low‑temperature electrical measurements
• Semiconductor device physics and characterisation
• RF and microwave measurement techniques
• Cryogenic systems and infrastructure
• Quantum computing hardware or enabling technologies

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering or a related discipline OR equivalent experience in a industry environment.

Examples of projects undertaken within the team may include:

• Development of novel electrical characterisation techniques for cryogenic CMOS technologies
• Development of scalable measurement approaches for silicon spin qubit platforms
• Design and commissioning of new cryogenic measurement infrastructure
• Investigation of low-temperature device variability, noise and reliability
• Creation of automated measurement and data‑analysis software
• Development of measurement methodologies that support industry-wide performance comparison and benchmarking
• Collaboration with industrial and academic partners to address challenges associated with scalable quantum computing architectures
• Publication of scientific results in leading journals and presentation at international conferences

To be successful in this Higher Scientist role, you should have a science‑related degree and be an expert in your field. You should also be used to leading, planning, and delivering complex research projects from conception to fruition. Beyond that, we're looking for someone who'll thrive in an environment like ours.

In return for your knowledge and expertise, you'll receive a favourable salary and benefits package.

At NPL, we set the standards by which everything is measured. In doing so, the National Physical Laboratory is helping to combat issues on a global scale such as climate change, curing diseases, and the development of cutting‑edge communications technology. Our role is to research, create and deliver the measurement infrastructure which underpins the UK's prosperity and quality of life across many fields of industry.

Please note:

Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world‑leading centre of excellence that provides cutting‑edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK.

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well‑being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work‑life balance, along with a broad range of benefits. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success.