Senior Quantum Scientist: Neutral-Atom QC & Open-Source Platform

UKRI; Harwell; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday

Flexible working hours

Defined salary pension

Public transport links/free parking

Learning and development opportunities

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

UKRI is seeking a Senior Quantum Scientist (AMO) to join the NAQC team within the National Quantum Computing Centre. You will design, build and deploy open-source quantum computing hardware, work on system-level integration and contribute to the UK’s leadership in quantum technology.

You will lead experimental efforts in a laser‑lab environment, develop scalable architectures, and collaborate with internal teams and external partners to advance UK quantum computing capabilities.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in physics, engineering or related field.
• Hands-on experience with experimental quantum systems and lab optimisation.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• 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 integration of sub-systems into full-stack quantum computing platforms.
• Contribute to system-level design, requirements, interfaces and targets.
• Support scaling strategies and system architectures.
• Document policies and system performance for reproducibility and knowledge transfer.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners; participate in workshops and community activities.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

Skills

Experimental quantum systems

Lab automation

QPU hardware engineering

System integration

Technical leadership

Education

PhD or equivalent

Tools

Open-source hardware design

Job description

UKRI is seeking a Senior Quantum Scientist (AMO) to join the NAQC team within the National Quantum Computing Centre. You will design, build and deploy open-source quantum computing hardware, work on system-level integration and contribute to the UK’s leadership in quantum technology.

You will lead experimental efforts in a laser‑lab environment, develop scalable architectures, and collaborate with internal teams and external partners to advance UK quantum computing capabilities.