Senior Quantum Applications Engineer

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC); East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday

Flexible working hours

Defined salary pension

Learning and development opportunities

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) seeks a Senior Quantum Applications Engineer at the National Quantum Computing Centre. You will lead development of quantum computing solutions, combining deep technical expertise with independent research to identify high-impact applications across quantum software and hardware.

Collaborate with government, industry and academia to shape future quantum use-cases, publish results, and mentor colleagues while advancing UK quantum readiness and

Qualifications

• PhD level (or equivalent) in quantum computing, quantum information, or closely related field.
• Proven track record of research in quantum computing (peer-reviewed).
• Experience delivering technical work and collaborating on quantum computing projects.
• Experience with quantum algorithms in simulation, optimisation and/or ML.
• Strong programming experience in Python and using SDKs to program quantum computers.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical work to deliver the team’s objectives.
• Develop and optimize quantum algorithms and code; program quantum computers using SDKs.
• Collaborate with experts to identify use-cases for priority sectors.
• Analyze quantum advantage for practical problems and benchmark with classical methods.
• Lead reporting of findings and publish non-confidential results where appropriate.
• Mentor junior staff and keep up with state-of-the-art in quantum computing.

Skills

Quantum algorithms

Applications development

Python

Qiskit

Cirq

Communication

Education

PhD in quantum computing

Tools

Qiskit

Cirq

Job description

Job Title:

Senior Quantum Applications Engineer

Salary:

Band E S1 £58,346 gross per annum

Contract Type:

Up to 2x Permanent Positions

Hours:

Full-Time or Part-Time (minimum 0.8FTE) (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

Location:

Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

Come and discover how much you can achieve when you’re surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity!

About NQCC:

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is the UK’s national laboratory dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of quantum computing.

Headquartered at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, the NQCC works across government, industry, and academia to address the engineering challenges of scaling quantum computers and to build a quantum-ready economy. Its mission is to enable the UK to solve complex societal and industrial challenges by harnessing the transformative potential of quantum computing.

The NQCC is a joint initiative of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). It sits alongside other departments within the STFC National Laboratories and has a 10-year funding commitment as part of the National Quantum Strategy

About the Role:

As a Senior Quantum Applications Engineer within the National Quantum Computing Centre’s Quantum Applications Team (QAT), you will provide technical leadership in the development of innovative quantum computing solutions to complex real‑world challenges. Combining deep expertise in quantum computing with the ability to carry out independent research and delivery, you will drive the identification, development, and validation of high-impact applications, helping to shape research directions and advance the state‑of-the‑art across quantum algorithms, software, and hardware.

Working within a multidisciplinary environment of scientists, engineers, and technology specialists, you will lead collaborative research and development activities, mentor colleagues, and influence technical decision‑making across programmes. Your work will contribute directly to the NQCC’s mission of accelerating the UK's quantum readiness, demonstrating quantum advantage where possible, and enabling the adoption of quantum technologies across key sectors.

The role offers significant opportunities to build and lead collaborations with stakeholders from government, industry, and academia. Through strategic partnerships, collaborative R&D programmes, and proof‑of‑concept projects, you will help define and evaluate future quantum computing use‑cases, translating emerging research into impactful solutions and strengthening the UK's quantum ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead technical work and research to support the delivery of the team’s objectives.
• Utilise and retailor quantum algorithms; build models and develop code; programme quantum computers using relevant Software Development Kits (SDKs) and programming environments; build the necessary mathematical models, libraries and codebases to underpin delivery of the technical work and research.
• Promote collaboration with quantum algorithm, benchmarking, verification and error correction experts, to underpin and enable the delivery of useful applications.
• Work with colleagues and external stakeholders to identify suitable problem types and develop use‑cases for quantum computing relevant to priority sectors, such as life sciences, healthcare, finance, energy and transport.
• Analyse quantum advantage for practical problems, using leading classical techniques that solve those problems as a benchmark.
• Lead and deliver technical work on collaborative projects with colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Adopt and further the use of agile and software engineering methodologies.
• Lead the reporting and communicating of key findings and results, including the publication of non‑confidential results in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Keep up with the state‑of‑the‑art in quantum computing.
• Contribute to the delivery of the NQCC’s strategic objectives and the UK’s delivery of Quantum Mission 1.
• Provide technical advice and guidance to junior members of staff.

Person Specification:

• This role is suitable for persons holding PhD qualifications or equivalent experience in quantum algorithms and applications development, physics or quantum technologies. A Senior Quantum Applications Engineer works well as part of a multidisciplinary team, but also demonstrates autonomy within their area of responsibility. You will be proactive, self‑motivated and able to work in a dynamic environment. You will have a good eye for detail interpreting and presenting technical data. You will be able to work/travel within the UK and overseas as and when required to attend international meetings with collaborators and/or events or conferences.
• Educated to PhD level (or equivalent work experience) in quantum computing, quantum information, or a closely related field. [S]
• Demonstrable track record of research in the field of quantum computing (or a closely related field), such as peer‑reviewed publications. [S;I]
• Experience of delivering technical work and collaborative projects in the field of quantum computing (or a closely related field). [S;I]
• Experience of working with quantum algorithms in the areas of simulation, optimisation and/or machine learning, with knowledge in emulation, implementation of algorithms and execution of quantum circuits, as well as the challenges facing the above within the current state‑of‑the‑art. [S;I]
• Strong and demonstrable experience in using classical programming languages, such as Python (as a minimum), as well as using programming languages and software development kits (SDKs – e.g., Qiskit, Cirq) to program quantum computers. [S;I]
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly present and disseminate technical work and results and influence internal staff and other stakeholders. [S;I]
• Excellent team working and collaboration skills, with a positive attitude towards working in a multidisciplinary team, but also the ability to demonstrate autonomy within the area of responsibility. [I]

Employee Benefits:

• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
• Flexible working hours.
• An excellent defined salary pension scheme.
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/

Security Vetting:

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they are appointed. The required security clearance needed is CTC. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the United Kingdom for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years as the role requires CTC clearance. However, UK residency less than the outlined periods may not bar you from gaining National Security Vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed for further advice.

For further details you may also visit the following site: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/united-kingdom-security-vetting

Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact [e-mail]

Join us and discover what's possible

About Us

UKRI - UK Research and Innovation

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world‑leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world‑class research, skills and business‑led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

About the Team

The Science and Technology Facilities Council is a world‑leading multi‑disciplinary science organisation where curiosity‑driven, blue‑skies thinking meets practical, application‑led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people – and more broadly to the world.

One of Europe’s largest research organisations, we’re trusted to support, enable and undertake cutting‑edge projects in an amazing diversity of fields. Through world‑class facilities and people, we’re driving ground‑breaking advances in science, engineering, computing and technology. Our research seeks to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, yet creates impact on a very tangible, human scale.

For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/

You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/