Quantum Control Scientist

Nu Quantum; Hartford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading quantum technology firm in the United Kingdom seeks a Quantum Control Scientist to develop real-time control systems for trapped-ion quantum processors. This role involves designing and implementing workflows, interfacing with Python, and managing experimental hardware. Ideal candidates should have a postgraduate degree in Experimental Physics and strong software development skills, especially in Python. Benefits include flexible working, generous leave, and private medical cover.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Private Medical and Dental Cover

On-site gym membership

Generous Employee Referral Scheme

28 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in Experimental Physics or relevant lab experience required.
• Strong software skills specifically in Python and scientific environments.
• Experience with experimental control systems integration.

Responsibilities

• Develop real-time orchestration with the ARTIQ platform.
• Integrate custom and third-party hardware primarily using Python.
• Automate parameter analysis and improve repeatability.

Skills

Software development in Python

Hardware control troubleshooting

Communication and collaboration

Automating laboratory subsystems

Education

Postgraduate degree in Experimental Physics or equivalent

Tools

ARTIQ platform

FPGA/microcontroller architectures

Linux-based environments

Job description

As a Quantum Control Scientist within our Atomic, Molecular & Optical (AMO) team, you will commission and develop the real‑time control layer that drives our in‑house trapped‑ion quantum processing units. You will design and implement reliable workflows for time‑critical data acquisition and stabilisation protocols, interfacing primarily in Python with custom electronics, laser and RF hardware.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage real‑time orchestration of experimental hardware with the open‑source ARTIQ platform
• Integrate and control custom hardware (e.g. boards from electronics and FPGA teams), and third‑party hardware, primarily using Python
• Monitor experimental parameters and automate their analysis to reduce manual overhead and improve repeatability
• Commission, document and train team members on hardware and software systems
• Collaborate closely with physicists and engineers to meet technical and performance objectives
• Develop graphical user interfaces for experimental control, real‑time monitoring, and data visualisation
• Coordinate with the software team to standardise workflows, upholding company‑wide best practice for maintainable and scalable code

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in Experimental Physics or equivalent experience working in an optics, AMO physics, or ion trapping laboratory (lasers, cavities, RF systems and qubit control)
• Demonstrated experience diagnosing and resolving issues with real‑time control platforms based on FPGA or microcontroller architectures, ideally including familiarity with the ARTIQ platform
• Strong software development skills for scientific or experimental environments, preferably including Python
• Experience integrating, controlling and automating laboratory subsystems and instrumentation for experimental control and measurement (such as oscilloscopes, network analysers, RF generators, imaging systems and laser control units) through driver development, gateware design or API interfacing
• Proven ability to debug complex hardware‑software interactions, with a methodical approach to developing diagnostic and corrective solutions
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to adapt technical content and context to varied audiences
• Commitment to facilitate effective cross‑team knowledge transfer through clear documentation and structured handovers

Desirable Skills (nice to have)

• Familiarity with building infrastructure as code, such as automation (e.g. Ansible) and/or version control (e.g. Git)
• Experience with Linux‑based deployment or development environments (schedulers, scripting, package management, socket communication, etc.)
• Knowledge of hardware control protocols (e.g. PyVisa, SCPI, MQTT)
• Familiarity with metrics and visualisation frameworks (e.g. Prometheus, Influx, Grafana)
• Experience with numerical computing tools (e.g. Numpy, SciPy, Octave, Matlab)
• Experience using issue‑tracking systems (e.g. Jira, YouTrack, GitHub/GitLab)
• Experience developing basic GUI tools (e.g. with PyQt or similar frameworks) for experimental control or data visualisation

Benefits

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