Senior Trapped-Ion Quantum Scientist | Flexible Hours

Physics World; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday

Flexible hours

Pension

Transport/parking

Learning & development

Cycle to work

Job summary

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) seeks a Senior Quantum Scientist to lead the development and integration of trapped ion quantum computing subsystems, in collaboration with hardware, software and applications teams at Harwell.

You will design experiments, advance system architectures, publish results, and contribute to a national programme to accelerate quantum computing in the UK. This highly collaborative role offers significant opportunities for impact and professional growth.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Engineering or closely related field, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, assemble, and optimise trapped ion quantum computing sub-systems (QPU, laser systems, control).
• Develop and run experiments to characterise device performance and improve qubit fidelity, stability, and scalability.
• Contribute to the integration of sub-systems into full-stack quantum computing platforms.
• Contribute to system-level design, including requirements, interfaces, and performance targets.
• Support the development of scaling strategies and system architectures.
• Explore trade-offs across sub-systems and their impact on overall system performance.
• Contribute to the development of open-architecture policy, system definitions, and system performance reports.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners including academia, industry, and national laboratories.
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.

Skills

Quantum computing

Experimental skills

System integration

Software control

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Physics or related field

Tools

Software/scripts

Job description

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) seeks a Senior Quantum Scientist to lead the development and integration of trapped ion quantum computing subsystems, in collaboration with hardware, software and applications teams at Harwell.

You will design experiments, advance system architectures, publish results, and contribute to a national programme to accelerate quantum computing in the UK. This highly collaborative role offers significant opportunities for impact and professional growth.