Principal AMO Physicist

CT19; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

CT19 in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principal AMO Physicist to shape the architecture of next‑generation trapped‑ion quantum hardware. You will lead experiments, drive system performance, and own key laboratory subsystems, including lasers, electronics, and vacuum hardware.

You will mentor AMO physicists, collaborate across engineering teams, and contribute to long‑term platform strategy, balancing practical hands-on work with strategic planning to scale high‑fidelity quantum devices.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in experimental AMO physics, with ion trapping preferred.
• Demonstrated ownership of complex experimental systems.
• Deep understanding of qubit control, coherence, and fidelity optimisation.
• Expertise in laser stabilisation, automation, or real-time control.
• Experience providing technical leadership within collaborative environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimisation of advanced trapped‑ion experiments.
• Drive performance improvements in ion-photon interfaces and qubit control.
• Own complex laboratory subsystems (lasers, RF/DC electronics, UHV hardware, control systems).
• Contribute to technical architecture and long-term platform strategy.
• Mentor AMO physicists and collaborate across engineering disciplines.

Skills

AMO physics

Ion trapping

Technical leadership

Qubit control

Laser stabilisation

Job description

Principal AMO Physicist – Trapped-Ion Quantum Hardware

UK | On-site | Full-time

Ready to define the architecture of next‑generation ion‑based quantum systems?

A rapidly scaling quantum technology company is seeking a Principal AMO Physicist to play a leading role in advancing high-performance trapped‑ion platforms and integrated quantum hardware systems.

You will operate at the intersection of atomic physics, quantum control, and systems engineering - helping shape the technical roadmap of scalable quantum devices.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the design and optimisation of advanced trapped‑ion experiments
• Drive performance improvements in ion-photon interfaces and qubit control
• Own complex laboratory subsystems (lasers, RF/DC electronics, UHV hardware, control systems)
• Contribute to technical architecture and long-term platform strategy
• Mentor AMO physicists and collaborate across engineering disciplines

What We’re Looking For

• Extensive experience in experimental AMO physics (ion trapping preferred)
• Demonstrated ownership of complex experimental systems
• Deep understanding of qubit control, coherence, and fidelity optimisation
• Expertise in areas such as laser stabilisation, automation, or real-time control
• Experience providing technical leadership within collaborative environments