Senior Trapped-Ion Quantum Scientist

UKRI; Harwell; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday

Flexible working hours

Excellent pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Easily accessible public transport

Job summary

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell is seeking a Senior Quantum Scientist to advance trapped ion quantum computing hardware and software. You will contribute to design, development, and open-architecture system blueprints, collaborating across hardware, software, and applications teams, and with external partners to push scalable quantum computing forward.

The role focuses on delivering experimental and engineering excellence, publishing results, and

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Engineering or related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience in quantum systems.
• Strong technical knowledge in quantum computing or related technologies.
• Experience with trapped ion quantum computing platforms or closely related quantum tech.
• Hands-on experience developing, operating, integrating, and troubleshooting complex experimental quantum systems.
• Experience designing, implementing, and automating experiments including software/scripts for system operation and characterisation.
• Experience characterising and improving trapped ion qubit and system performance through experimental measurement and analysis.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, assemble and optimise trapped ion quantum computing sub-systems (e.g. QPU, laser systems, control systems).
• Develop and run experiments to characterise device performance and improve qubit fidelity, stability and scalability.
• Contribute to integration of sub-systems into full-stack quantum computing platforms.

Skills

Trapped ion QC

Experimental quantum systems

Open architecture

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Physics/Engineering or related

Job description

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell is seeking a Senior Quantum Scientist to advance trapped ion quantum computing hardware and software. You will contribute to design, development, and open-architecture system blueprints, collaborating across hardware, software, and applications teams, and with external partners to push scalable quantum computing forward.

The role focuses on delivering experimental and engineering excellence, publishing results, and