Senior Trapped-Ion Quantum Scientist (Flexible Hours)

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

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday

Flexible working hours

Defined salary pension

Public transport/parking

Learning and development

Cycle to work

Job summary

STFC’s National Quantum Computing Centre at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Harwell invites applications for a Senior Quantum Scientist. You will contribute to the design and integration of trapped ion quantum computing systems, collaborating across hardware, software and applications teams.

The role targets candidates with a PhD or equivalent experience in quantum physics or engineering, hands-on trapped ion expertise, and strong communication to work across multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Engineering or related field or equivalent experience.
• Hands-on experience with trapped ion quantum platforms.
• Experience designing and running complex quantum experiments.
• Proven ability to communicate technical results across teams.
• Experience collaborating with external partners.

Responsibilities

• System and sub-system development for trapped ion quantum computing.
• Design, assemble, and optimize QPU, laser and control systems.
• Develop experiments to characterize device performance and fidelity.
• Support integration into full-stack quantum computing platforms.
• Collaborate across hardware, software and applications teams.
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present at venues.

Skills

Trapped ion quantum computing

Experimental quantum systems

Hardware-software integration

Strong communication

Education

PhD in Physics or Engineering or related

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

STFC’s National Quantum Computing Centre at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Harwell invites applications for a Senior Quantum Scientist. You will contribute to the design and integration of trapped ion quantum computing systems, collaborating across hardware, software and applications teams.

The role targets candidates with a PhD or equivalent experience in quantum physics or engineering, hands-on trapped ion expertise, and strong communication to work across multidisciplinary teams.