Optical Physicist

QuantumCell; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

QuantumCell (QCell) is an early-stage biotech company pioneering dynamic, multi-scale foundation models to enable safe, effective, targeted therapeutics in neuropsychiatry and neurology. Brain disorders remain among the hardest problems in medicine because they arise from complex networks that simple approaches fail to capture.

We are building an end-to-end platform spanning sensing, automation, and multi-scale AI modeling, with teams in Copenhagen and the San Francisco Bay Area, and a direct

Qualifications

• PhD in optics, physics, engineering or related field with significant research experience.
• Experience in Quantum Sensing and advanced laser physics is a strong plus.
• Hands-on experience in designing and conducting experiments is preferred.
• Proven track record of independent research and delivering innovative results.
• Comfort at the interface of biology and emerging technologies; interest in integrating measurement modalities into biology workflows is a plus.
• Startup mindset: able to operate in a fast-moving, early-stage environment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across functions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative R&D of non-destructive label-free sensing methods using advanced techniques.
• Design and set up experimental setups to explore new ideas.
• Build computational/analytical models to simulate designed systems.
• Perform troubleshooting and iterative design improvements.
• Develop proprietary IP and work with IP attorneys on patent applications.

Skills

Quantum sensing

Laser physics

Experimental design

Independent research

Biology-technology interface

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in optics/physics/engineering

Job description

QuantumCell (QCell) is an early-stage biotech company pioneering dynamic, multi-scale foundation models to unlock the next generation of safe, effective, and targeted therapeutics in neuropsychiatry and neurology. Brain disorders remain among the hardest problems in medicine because they arise from complex, interacting networks that traditional reductionist approaches fail to capture.

At QCell, we believe the future of CNS drug development requires models that can connect molecular mechanisms to endophenotypes and clinical outcomes with high fidelity. With teams in Copenhagen and the San Francisco Bay Area, we are building an end-to-end platform spanning sensing, automation, and multi-scale AI modeling, with a direct line of sight to transformative CNS therapeutics.

Role Overview

The role is to develop the next generation of quantum sensing technologies. QCell is pushing the scientific frontier by translating the cutting edge of laser science to collect multi-modal data at scale. QCell may pursue technologies such as advanced dual comb lasers, novel optical materials, NV or silicon diamond quantum sensors, and squeezed or quantum states of light to go beyond standard imaging methods.

We are seeking an exceptional scientific-minded Optical or Quantum Physicist to lead the innovation of biological sample characterization through optical detection with enhancements based on quantum effects. This is the most important innovative role at the core of our optical detection platform — generating non-destructive label-free high-resolution, perturbation-responsive dynamic data that feeds our multi-scale AI models.

You will work closely with our engineering and biology teams to understand the requirements and define and develop proprietary optical detection technology to meet our drug discovery needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research and development of non-destructive label-free sensing methods that leverage the latest technologies such as dual comb laser spectroscopy, high-resolution optical microscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, quantum physics, etc.
• Design and set up experimental setups to explore and test new ideas and approaches.
• Build computational or analytical models to simulate the designed systems to predict the potential feasibility and performance.
• Perform troubleshooting and iterative design improvements
• Develop proprietary intellectual property and work with IP attorneys on patent applications.

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD (or equivalent) in optics, physics, engineering or a related field, with significant research experience in optics and/or quantum physics
• Experience in Quantum Sensing and advanced laser physics is a strong plus
• Hands-on experience in designing and conducting experiments is preferred
• Proven track record of conducting independent research and delivering innovative results.
Comfort working at the interface of biology and emerging technologies — experience or strong interest in integrating novel measurement modalities (e.g., quantum sensing, high-content imaging, multi-omics) into cell biology workflows is a plus.
• A startup company mindset: comfortable operating in a fast-moving, early-stage environment where you'll help define processes, not just follow them.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across functions