Research Scientist / Senior Research Scientist

ORCA Computing Ltd; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

ORCA Computing Ltd in Central London is seeking a Research Scientist or Senior Research Scientist to advance quantum optics theory and architectures. The role combines rigorous modelling with hands-on collaboration across experimental and software teams to push the practicality of photonic quantum systems.

You will design and evaluate photonic quantum computing architectures, translate theory into working models, and contribute to publications and intellectual property while supporting the

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or related discipline or equivalent research experience.
• Strong knowledge of quantum optics and quantum computing architectures.
• Experience developing and maintaining numerical simulations and codebases.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Design and evaluate photonic quantum computing architectures and light-matter interaction protocols, analysing errors and assessing trade-offs.
• Translate theory into practice by collaborating with experimental physicists to benchmark models against experiment.
• Model the operation of near-term and mature nonlinear systems to map component functionality to computational performance.
• Advance scientific leadership through publications, patent filings, and by advising on future research directions.

Skills

Quantum optics

Quantum computing architectures

Numerical simulations

Independent research

Collaborative teamwork

Education

PhD in physics or related discipline

Equivalent research experience

Job description

Research Scientist/Senior Research Scientist – Quantum Optics Theory & Architectures

Salary & Benefits: Competitive

Department: Research & Development

Reports to: Head of Systems Modelling

Job Type: Full time

Location: Central London, Hybrid

About us

ORCA Computing (“ORCA”) is at the forefront of a new era in high-performance computing, developing full-stack photonic quantum systems designed to transform how organisations tackle machine learning, generative AI, and complex optimisation challenges. Headquartered in London, ORCA has delivered eleven on-premises quantum computers worldwide – demonstrating that its technology is not theoretical but already delivering real world results.

At the core of ORCA’s innovation is its hybrid quantum-classical architecture, engineered for seamless integration into existing AI and HPC infrastructure. Its current PT-2 system, a rack-mounted quantum computer, connects directly to GPU clusters via NVIDIA’s CUDA-Q platform, enabling accelerated AI workloads with significantly lower energy consumption than traditional silicon-based systems. Backed by a strong portfolio of patent families spanning photonic integrated circuits, quantum memory, and multiplexing technologies, ORCA is enabling enterprises, research institutions, and HPC operators to unlock new levels of performance, efficiency, and scalability.

As ORCA prepares to launch its next-generation PT-3 system, the company is entering a pivotal phase of growth and technological advancement. Its solutions are already being embedded into generative AI pipelines, delivering measurable improvements in model performance, while also addressing the rising energy demands of large-scale AI adoption. With a focus on practical deployment and a clear roadmap to fault-tolerant quantum computing, ORCA is leading the development and deployment of quantum technology, providing a commercially viable path to the future of computing.

What will you do

• Design and evaluate photonic quantum computing architectures and light-matter interaction protocols, analysing errors and assessing trade-offs in technical complexity/scalability versus projected performance.
• Translate theory into practice by collaborating closely with experimental physicists to benchmark models against experiment and optimise component design.
• Support ORCA’s roadmap by modelling the operation of both near-term and mature nonlinear systems, working closely within the Research team and with our Applications team to map component functionality to computational performance.
• Advance ORCA’s scientific and commercial leadership through high-quality publications, patent filings, internal reviews, and by advising stakeholders on future research directions and system performance.

What will you bring

• Strong knowledge of quantum optics and quantum computing architectures.
• Experience developing and maintaining numerical simulations and codebases.
• Ability to operate both with a high degree of research independence, taking ownership of problems from formulation through to actionable results, but also as part of a collaborative team.
• A PhD in physics or a related discipline, or equivalent research experience.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with atomic physics, light-matter interactions, and optical hardware constraints.
• Experience modelling cavity QED systems or the interaction of light with atomic ensembles.
• A track record of peer-reviewed publications, preprints, or patents in quantum technologies.
• Desire to work at the interface between theoretical modelling and experimental validation.
• Familiarity with how to use AI tools to accelerate research outputs.

Who we are looking for

• Ability to focus on results that inform real design and product decisions, not theory in isolation.
• Can manage ambiguity: you can make progress and trade-offs even when data is incomplete or assumptions evolve.
• Cross-functional mindset: you enjoy working with experimentalists, engineers, and leadership to drive aligned outcomes.
• Intellectual humility: you are confident challenging assumptions, and just as open to having your own challenged.

Joining ORCA Computing offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of quantum technology, where innovation is already delivering real-world impact. Across commercial, operational, and product roles, you’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to bring advanced quantum systems to market and help integrate quantum capabilities into modern AI and data centre ecosystems.

ORCA provides a rare chance to contribute to a pivotal moment in the evolution of computing. With a culture built on ownership, collaboration, and ambition, the company empowers individuals to solve complex challenges and shape how next-generation quantum technologies are developed, deployed, and scaled across industries – driving a more efficient and powerful future for AI and compute.