Senior Quantum Optics Scientist - Atom-Cavity Gates

ORCA Computing Ltd; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

ORCA Computing Ltd. is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to design, build, and operate experimental systems for atom-mediated nonlinear protocols in photon-photon gates.

The role sits at the intersection of cold-atom physics, cavity-QED, and experimental quantum optics, focusing on integrating high-performance optical cavities into robust demonstrators. You will develop and optimise coupling, state preparation, and locking for reliable atom–cavity interactions, and contribute to high-impact

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or related field, or equivalent research experience.
• Strong background in AMO physics and quantum optics.
• Hands-on experience building and operating cold-atom experiments.
• Experience interfacing atoms with optical cavities or cavity-QED, including locking and stabilization.
• Track record of taking complex quantum optics/AMO experiments from design to reliable operation.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and operate systems for trapping and delivering atomic ensembles into optical microcavities.
• Develop and optimise cavity coupling, state preparation, and locking techniques for stable atom-cavity interactions.
• Implement and characterise nonlinear protocols on these platforms and drive improvements towards strong photon–photon quantum gates.
• Collaborate with the Research team to ensure high performance and integration into ORCA’s photonic quantum computing platform.
• Contribute to experimental strategy and future research directions based on performance and risks.
• Publish results and support patent filings and stakeholder discussions.

Skills

AMO physics

Quantum optics

Cold-atom experiments

Cavity-QED

Cavity locking

Laser frequency stabilization

Education

PhD in physics

Equivalent research experience

Tools

Ultra-high vacuum systems

Dipole trapping

Laser cooling

Job description

ORCA Computing Ltd. is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to design, build, and operate experimental systems for atom-mediated nonlinear protocols in photon-photon gates.

The role sits at the intersection of cold-atom physics, cavity-QED, and experimental quantum optics, focusing on integrating high-performance optical cavities into robust demonstrators. You will develop and optimise coupling, state preparation, and locking for reliable atom–cavity interactions, and contribute to high-impact