Senior Research Scientist – Atomic and Optical Physics

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

Senior Research Scientist – Atomic and Optical Physics

Salary & Benefits: Competitive

Department: Research & Development

Reports to: Head of Future Systems

Job Type: Full time

Location: Central London, On-site (lab-based)

About us

ORCA Computing (“ORCA”) is at the forefront of a new era in high-performance computing, developing full-stack photonic quantum systems designed to transform how organisations tackle machine learning, generative AI, and complex optimisation challenges. Headquartered in London, ORCA has delivered eleven on-premises quantum computers worldwide – demonstrating that its technology is not theoretical but already delivering real world results.

At the core of ORCA’s innovation is its hybrid quantum-classical architecture, engineered for seamless integration into existing AI and HPC infrastructure. Its current PT-2 system, a rack-mounted quantum computer, connects directly to GPU clusters via NVIDIA’s CUDA-Q platform, enabling accelerated AI workloads with significantly lower energy consumption than traditional silicon-based systems. Backed by a strong portfolio of patent families spanning photonic integrated circuits, quantum memory, and multiplexing technologies, ORCA is enabling enterprises, research institutions, and HPC operators to unlock new levels of performance, efficiency, and scalability.

As ORCA prepares to launch its next-generation PT-3 system, the company is entering a pivotal phase of growth and technological advancement. Its solutions are already being embedded into generative AI pipelines, delivering measurable improvements in model performance, while also addressing the rising energy demands of large-scale AI adoption. With a focus on practical deployment and a clear roadmap to fault-tolerant quantum computing, ORCA is leading the development and deployment of quantum technology, providing a commercially viable path to the future of computing.

The role

We are looking for a Senior Research Scientist to develop, build, and operate experimental systems underpinning ORCA’s atom-mediated nonlinear protocols for photon-photon gates. The role sits at the intersection of cold-atom physics, cavity-QED and experimental quantum optics, with a focus on integrating high-performance optical cavities into robust experimental demonstrators.

What you will do

• 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 and reliable atom-cavity interactions.
• Implement and characterise ORCA’s nonlinear protocols on these platforms and drive improvements towards strong photon–photon quantum gates.
• Work closely with the wider Research team to engineer the system for high performance, repeatability, and integration into ORCA’s photonic quantum computing platform.
• Contribute to experimental strategy and future research directions based on measured performance, technical risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Advance ORCA’s scientific and commercial leadership through high-quality publications, patent filings, internal reviews, and by advising stakeholders on future research directions.

What you will bring

• A PhD in physics or a related discipline, or equivalent research experience.
• A strong background in AMO physics and quantum optics.
• Extensive hands‑on experience building and operating cold‑atom experiments, including for example, laser cooling, magneto‑optical traps, dipole trapping, and ultra‑high‑vacuum systems.
• Experience interfacing atoms with optical cavities or a closely related cavity‑QED background, including cavity locking and laser frequency stabilisation.
• A track record of taking complex quantum optics or AMO experiments from design through construction to reliable, high-performance operation.

Nice to have

• Experience preparing high‑density, high‑optical‑depth atomic ensembles.
• Experience with high‑efficiency fibre coupling, single‑photon detection, or quantum optics at the single‑photon level.
• Experience developing experiment control, automation, data acquisition, or optimisation tools.
• Experience turning laboratory experiments into robust, deployable systems.
• Familiarity with photonic quantum computing.

Who we are looking for

• Ability to focus on results that deliver real, working systems: building for reliability and repeatability, not just one‑off demonstrations.
• Can manage ambiguity: you can make progress and trade‑offs even when data is incomplete or assumptions evolve.
• Cross‑functional mindset: you enjoy working with theorists, engineers, and leadership to drive aligned outcomes.
• Intellectual humility: you are confident challenging assumptions, and just as open to having your own challenged.

Joining ORCA Computing offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of quantum technology, where innovation is already delivering real‑world impact. Across commercial, operational, and product roles, you’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to bring advanced quantum systems to market and help integrate quantum capabilities into modern AI and data centre ecosystems.

ORCA provides a rare chance to contribute to a pivotal moment in the evolution of computing. With a culture built on ownership, collaboration, and ambition, the company empowers individuals to solve complex challenges and shape how next‑generation quantum technologies are developed, deployed, and scaled across industries – driving a more efficient and powerful future for AI and compute.