Quantum Systems Scientist

Oxford Ionics; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering quantum computing company in Oxford seeks a Quantum Systems Scientist to ensure operational reliability of quantum systems. Responsibilities include system diagnostics, troubleshooting, and maintenance, requiring a PhD and hands-on experience with complex cold-atom experiments. The ideal candidate will communicate effectively across teams. This role offers a competitive salary, performance bonus, and flexible hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary with stock options

Annual performance bonus

Generous annual leave

Private medical and dental insurance

Qualifications

• Experience designing, building and operating complex cold-atom systems.
• Background in hardware-focused experimental physics.
• Ability to lead collaborative problem-solving.
• Strong documentation and training improvement skills.

Responsibilities

• Expand and refine hardware and software diagnostics.
• Analyse performance data to identify system bottlenecks.
• Own and schedule maintenance plans.
• Improve documentation, procedures, and training.

Skills

High-performing systems scientist

Hands-on experience with complex cold-atom experiments

Proven experience with ion traps and ultra-cold atoms

Strong communication skills

Education

PhD in relevant discipline

Post-doctoral experience

Tools

Python

ARTIQ

Job description

We are searching for a Quantum Systems Scientist to join our Systems team. This is a key role responsible for ensuring our quantum systems are continuously operational, scalable and robust, enabling cutting‑edge experiments and development across the business. You'll play a central role in building tools and systems that monitor and improve uptime, troubleshoot downtime and drive technical changes to enhance system reliability. Working with complex optomechanical systems, this role will combine diagnosis of faults with systems‑level thinking and collaborative problem solving across hardware and software teams.

Responsibilities

• System diagnostics and monitoring - Expand and refine hardware and software diagnostics; log and visualise key parameters; implement sensors and build dashboards to enable rapid fault‑finding.

• Downtime analysis and resolution - Analyse performance data to identify system bottlenecks or weak points; lead cross‑functional efforts to design and implement robust engineering fixes.

• Preventative and reactive maintenance - Own and schedule maintenance plans; support and mentor technicians; debug complex system issues as they arise.

• Process and tooling improvement - Improve documentation, procedures and training for system maintenance and upgrades, including trap changes and routine operations.

• Build tools and dashboards to surface key performance indicators and shape the procedures and infrastructure that support our growing number of quantum systems.

Qualifications

• High‑performing systems scientist with hands‑on experience in the design, build and operation of complex cold‑atom experiments.
• Proven track record designing, building and operating complex cold‑atom systems (e.g., ion traps, ultra‑cold atoms, optical clocks).
• Background in hardware‑focused experimental physics, with expertise in free‑space optics.
• PhD in a relevant discipline, ideally with post‑doctoral experience in an active research group.
• Strong communicator, able to collaborate across technical disciplines and coordinate with engineering and technician teams.

Desirable

• Programming experience in Python or ARTIQ.
• Experience automating and monitoring lab systems.
• Potential to grow into a leadership role as the team scales.

About Oxford Ionics

Oxford Ionics, now part of IonQ, is pioneering the next generation of quantum computing. Using our world‑leading trapped‑ion technology, we’re building the most powerful, accurate and reliable quantum systems to tackle problems that today’s supercomputers cannot solve. Joining Oxford Ionics means becoming part of a global IonQ team that is transforming the future of quantum technology – faster, at scale, and with real‑world impact.

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits, including opportunities to further your career alongside industry leaders, a competitive salary with IonQ stock options, an annual performance bonus, generous annual leave, flexible hybrid working, private medical and dental insurance for you and your family, and much more. We are an equal‑opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.