Atomic, Molecular and Optical - Oxford, United Kingdom - STFC

Description

Job Title: Atomic, Molecular and Optical (AMO) Physicist

Salary: Band E S1 £53,818 - £59,199

Location: RAL - Oxfordshire

Contract Type: 4 x Permanent Positions

Hours: Full Time (We value work-life balance and are open to discussing flexible working options with candidates)

Visa Sponsorship: We support Visa applications, covering fees, and welcome international applications. Possibility of relocation assistance.

Come and delve into the scientific realm that ignited your passion for science. Unravel mysteries and tackle significant challenges in Big Science. Collaborate with top-notch engineers, technicians, and technologists to derive solutions that drive societal progress and enhance lives.

Simply put, uncover the profound impact you can create by working alongside premier facilities and brilliant minds in the global scientific community.

About NQCC:

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is a £93m UKRI investment spanning 5 years located at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire. This initiative is a critical component of the broader £1bn, 10-year commitment to Quantum Technologies established by the UK since 2014.

The initial 5-year focus at NQCC revolves around advancing a Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum (NISQ) machine to showcase the technology, along with software, algorithm, and applications development. The ultimate goal is to elevate the technology towards fault-tolerant platforms devoid of errors and noise, validated through partnerships with UK and global collaborators. NQCC ensures direct access to early prototype machines for developers and fosters the establishment of a robust UK-based quantum computing supply chain.

Our primary aim is to bridge a crucial gap in the research and innovation landscape by addressing the quantum computing scaling challenge. However, substantial development efforts are required to evolve the nascent technology and translate fundamental science into functional computing systems.

Our Benefits:

UK Research and Innovation values individual employees and endeavors to offer a competitive pay and benefits package that incentivizes peak performance. Benefits include a flexible working scheme, Defined benefit pension scheme, 30 days of annual leave plus 10.5 bank holiday/privilege days, and various other perks. NQCC provides an array of training courses to support continuous professional development.

About the Role:

As an experimental AMO physicist, you will be an integral part of the Neutral Atom Quantum Computing team within NQCC's Research division. Leveraging your expertise in atomic, molecular, and optical physics, you will contribute to the UK's quantum computing advancement based on neutral atoms. Your responsibilities will involve creating and implementing resilient and reusable quantum computing platforms to propel our technology roadmap, fostering scalable quantum computing capabilities and driving progress in alignment with the NQCC technology roadmap.

You will be part of a growing tweezer array quantum computing (TAQC) team, dedicated to expanding the UK's proficiency in TAQC by enhancing experimental hardware, utilizing QCaaS, developing in-house commercial platforms, strategizing the TAQC platform's evolution, and engaging in collaborative ventures with academia and industry. The NQCC software team will provide control systems for your initiatives, while applications engineers will assist in exploring early applications of your technology.

The diverse activities within the NQCC TAQC team offer ample avenues for personal growth. The role will revolve around designing and constructing state-of-the-art experimental tweezer array quantum computing hardware in our cutting-edge laboratory space, tackling challenges spanning physics and engineering realms. Moreover, the role extends beyond experimental physics, potentially encompassing leading national discussions on the TAQC platform's future, collaborating with industry partners to enhance neutral atom platform reliability by solving intricate engineering obstacles, or showcasing early quantum advantage on a commercial NISQ device.

We are committed to fostering professional development, and if desired, assistance will be provided for obtaining professional accreditation such as IOP CPhys or equivalent certifications. Additionally, opportunities exist to cultivate leadership skills through participation in various programs like Hackathons, Summer-Studentships, Apprenticeships, Masters, and PhD programs.

While advanced expertise in quantum computing is not mandatory for this role, it would be advantageous. Support for projects will be furnished by Quality Assurance, Monitoring & Evaluation, Procurement, and Project Leader support personnel within the Operations team, as well as specialized staff spanning software, compilers, firmware, electronics, and devices across the technology team, alongside external specialists.

Key responsibilities of this role include:

• Developing and testing experimental TAQC designs and architectures in-house.
• Leading proof-of-concept/engineering projects to address TAQC performance limitations.
• Contributing to a roadmap for scaling TAQC platforms toward quantum advantage.
• Assessing and reporting on commercial TAQC performance.
• Providing input into software and control architecture design in collaboration with the NQCC software team.
• Organizing events & colloquia for the UK neutral atom quantum computing community.
• Collaborating across platforms within NQCC and with external commercial or academic partners.
• Publishing non-confidential results.
• Promoting best practices in software development throughout NQCC.
• Play a leadership role in the team, supporting the achievement of team objectives.

Person Specification:

This position is ideal for individuals with a PhD or equivalent experience in AMO physics or quantum technologies. As an experimental physicist, you should excel in multidisciplinary teamwork while exhibiting autonomy within your area of expertise. Proactiveness, self-motivation, and adaptability in dynamic environments are essential. Good attention to detail in interpreting and presenting technical data is crucial. Availability to work/travel within the UK and abroad for international meetings with collaborators is required.

(The criteria below will be evaluated during Shortlisting or Interview stages as indicated)

• Educational background at PhD level (or equivalent experience) in a computing/ Physics or Engineering related discipline (S)
• Research experience in atomic, molecular, or optical quantum technologies, potentially including publications (e.g. quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum imaging, quantum navigation, etc.) (S&I)
• Experience with experimental or theoretical methods relevant to quantum computing platforms based on neutral atoms (e.g. laser cooling, atom trapping, simulation, benchmarking, verification, etc.) (I)
• Conceptual understanding of tweezer array quantum computing (I)
• Engagement in collaborative research, particularly with external partners (S&I)
• Familiarity with R&D or laboratory settings (S&I)
• Engagement in science communication, such as academic event/conference management, community engagement, or outreach activities (S&I)
• Understanding of Health, Safety, and Environment practices (S&I)

Join us and explore the realm of possibilities!