Senior Quantum Optics Scientist – Photon-Photon Gates

Metric; England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Metric is seeking a Senior Research Scientist in AMO Physics and Quantum Computing to lead hands-on experimental work with photon-atom systems in a lab setting. You will trap atoms, couple them to optical cavities, and translate early protocols into demonstrators suitable for scale-up.

You will publish results, contribute to IP, and collaborate with a cross-disciplinary team to push photonic quantum computing forward. PhD in AMO/quantum optics and hands-on experience are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD-level AMO/quantum optics background.
• Hands-on experience with cold-atom experiments (laser cooling, MOTs, dipole traps, UHV).
• Experience coupling atoms to optical cavities, including locking and laser stabilization.
• Demonstrated ability to take experiments from concept to working hardware.
• Experience with high optical depth atomic ensembles.
• Proven ability to build control/automation/DAQ tooling.
• Experience transitioning lab work toward deployable product.
• Exposure to photonic quantum computing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Build and run experimental setups for trapping and delivering atomic ensembles into optical microcavities.
• Achieve reliable atom–cavity coupling, state prep, and cavity locking.
• Advance nonlinear gate protocols toward strong photon–photon interactions.
• Collaborate with the research team on system engineering for repeatability and platform fit.
• Feed results back into strategy and publish, filing patents when needed.

Skills

AMO/Quantum optics

Hands-on cold-atom experiments

Atom-cavity coupling

Experimental physics

Automation/DAQ tooling

Lab instrumentation

Education

PhD in AMO physics

Tools

Laser locking hardware

DAQ systems

UHV vacuum systems

Job description

Metric is seeking a Senior Research Scientist in AMO Physics and Quantum Computing to lead hands-on experimental work with photon-atom systems in a lab setting. You will trap atoms, couple them to optical cavities, and translate early protocols into demonstrators suitable for scale-up.

You will publish results, contribute to IP, and collaborate with a cross-disciplinary team to push photonic quantum computing forward. PhD in AMO/quantum optics and hands-on experience are essential.