Senior Quantum Scientist (AMO)

UK Research and Innovation; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday

Flexible working hours

Defined pension scheme

Public transport access

Cycle to work

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) seeks a Senior Quantum Scientist (AMO) to advance the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme. You will contribute to designing and deploying NAQC hardware, improving qubit fidelity, and integrating sub-systems into scalable quantum computing platforms.

The role requires a PhD or equivalent, strong experimental or engineering skills, and the ability to work across hardware, software, and external partners.

Qualifications

• PhD level (or equivalent) in physics/engineering/computing or related field.
• Strong technical knowledge of quantum computing or related quantum tech.
• Hands-on experience developing, operating, integrating and troubleshooting experimental quantum systems.
• Experience designing, implementing, and automating experiments.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and optimise neutral atom QPUs, laser and control systems.
• Characterise performance, improve qubit fidelity, stability and scalability.
• Contribute to open-source NAQC platforms and system integration.

Skills

Quantum computing

Experimental skills

Communication

Experimental design

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

Job Title: Senior Quantum Scientist (AMO)

Salary: Band E S1 £58,346

Location: RAL - Oxfordshire

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

About Us:

About Us: As part of the UK's National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is leading a programme to establish a National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). This includes a commitment of £93m over 5 years, dedicated to drive development in the field of Quantum Computing and to place the UK at the forefront of the field. Our primary purpose is to fill a key gap in the research and innovation landscape addressing the challenge of scaling quantum computing.

About the Role:

• The NAQC team's mission is to:
  • Design, build and deploy cutting-edge open-source NAQC hardware.
  • Build capability to act as UK's trusted authority on NAQC.
  • Convene the UK NAQC community and train the future NAQC workforce.

As Senior Quantum Scientist (AMO), you will work as part of the NQCC's Neutral Atom Quantum Computing (NAQC) team. The role is suitable for candidates with strong experimental or engineering skills and experience who are looking to develop into system-level roles. You will contribute to development and deployment of NQCC's open-source quantum computing platforms to support our technology roadmap, integrating components into scalable quantum computers and pushing the boundaries of platform performance in the UK.

The role offers the opportunity to influence the technical direction of the national NAQC programme whilst remaining closely engaged with hands‑on experimental and engineering work in the lab.

Key Responsibilities:

• System and Sub‑System Development:
  • Design, develop, assemble, and optimise neutral atom quantum computing sub-systems (e.g. QPU, laser systems, control systems).
  • Develop and run experiments to characterise performance and improve qubit fidelity, stability, and scalability.
  • Contribute to the integration of sub-systems into full‑stack quantum computing platforms.
• System‑Level Planning and Architecture:
  • Contribute to system‑level design, including requirements, interfaces, and performance targets.
  • Support the development of scaling strategies and system architectures.
  • Explore trade‑offs across subsystems and their impact on overall system performance.
• Open Architecture and System Blueprinting:
  • Contribute to the development of open‑architecture policy & vision documents, system definitions, and system performance reports.
  • Ensure work is documented to support reproducibility and knowledge transfer.
• Collaboration and Ecosystem Engagement:
  • Work closely with internal teams across the NQCC (hardware, software, applications).
  • Collaborate with external partners including academia, industry, and national laboratories.
  • Participate in site visits, technical exchanges, workshops, and community engagement activities, contributing to the development of the UK quantum computing ecosystem and supply chain.
• Technical Leadership and Contribution:
  • Take ownership of technical areas or sub‑systems.
  • Provide technical input into project direction, planning, and delivery.
  • Influence internal and external collaborators through clear communication of technical results.
• Dissemination:
  • Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals.
  • Present work at conferences, workshops, and internal reviews.

Person Specification:

• Educated to a PhD - level (or equivalent experience) in a physics, engineering, computing or a related discipline. (S&I)
• Strong technical knowledge and understanding of the principles of quantum computing and / or closely related quantum technologies. (S&I)
• Experience working with neutral atom quantum computing systems & hardware, or significant experience in a closely related quantum technology which may include publication. (S)
• Hands‑on experience developing, operating, integrating and troubleshooting experimental quantum systems. (S&I)
• Experience designing, implementing, and automating experiments, including development of software, scripts, or control routines for system operation and characterisation. (S&I)
• Experience of characterisation, analysis, and refinement of neutral atom qubits and device‑level performance through experimental measurement, calibration and performance analysis, including fidelity, noise, stability and error mechanisms. (S&I)
• Strong communication skills and proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. (S&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/

Additional Information:

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. Please note for anyone who requires sponsorship we can review on a case by case basis. 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]

About UKRI:

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.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

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.

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.

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