Staff Scientist, Quantum Sensing (Modelling)
Oxford
Research – Sensing /
Full-Time / Permanent /
Hybrid
About us
We hold the key to making quantum technology useful and operate at the highest levels of the emerging quantum sector. Our products are already revolutionizing the way quantum technology is used; From educating the workforce on how quantum computing works with Black Opal, to the industry-first native integration of our performance-management software with IBM Quantum services in November 2023, we are building the global quantum sector and defining the quantum infrastructure software segment. But our work isn’t limited to quantum computing; we go everywhere that quantum goes. In July 2023 our work with Australian Defence delivering software-ruggedized quantum sensing for navigation without GPS was featured in the New York Times.
We base these world-leading commercial outcomes on a foundation of transformational research. We operate the industry’s largest team of experts in quantum control, and push the limits of human capability through our software, hardware, and technical publications in the world’s most prestigious scientific journals.
As a high-growth global quantum startup we’ve raised US $74M since 2017 from investors such as Airbus Ventures, Horizons Ventures, Main Sequence Ventures, Salesforce Ventures, Sierra Ventures, SquarePeg Capital, and others; this includes the world’s largest Series B for any quantum software company, announced in early 2023. Adding to the completion of our new global HQ in Sydney (Australia’s first fully dedicated, commercial quantum technology site), Los Angeles, and Berlin offices, we’ve also recently announced our expansion into the UK to continue to impact the development of quantum technology globally.
We’re led by our values: to be real, to be trusted, to be just, and to be revered. We’ve brought together an inspiring team of world-leading physicists, engineers, product and design specialists (to name a few!) to help us shape the future of quantum technology. And we’re looking for new team members who want to help us change the world.
About the team
Q-CTRL’s quantum sensors use software-layer quantum control technology to enable robust operation onboard dynamic platforms (e.g. a ship, an aircraft, a satellite). We are seeking a new Staff Scientist to join our UK-based team to help further improve the performance and robustness of our quantum sensors. Our quantum sensors will enable navigation in GPS-denied or contested environments, and as such you will work closely with experts in navigation and sensor fusion to deliver novel navigation capabilities that solve pressing challenges in maritime and aeronautical positioning and navigation.
A key focus of the role will be performing comprehensive numerical simulations of quantum sensors, as well as developing novel control solutions to improve their performance on a range of metrics. Your quantitative modelling will inform the design, build, and operation of our quantum sensors for a given navigation end-user or application.
What you’ll be doing:
- Perform essential research and development into novel quantum control solutions to enhance the performance of real-world quantum sensors (including atom interferometers and magnetometers).
- Develop novel theoretical models and numerical simulation tools suitable for assessing the performance of quantum sensors in real-world environments.
- Analyse sensor performance in realistic environments and apply optimization and machine learning techniques for both performance enhancement
- Work closely with our quantum control engineers, experimental physicists, and sensor hardware specialists to deploy your developed quantum control protocols on real quantum sensor hardware.
- Collaborate with your colleagues in the Quantum Sensing (Modelling) Team, the Quantum Sensing Division, and the company more broadly.
- Share your insights into control-augmented quantum sensing with the broader Quantum Sensing Division, company, external stakeholders and customers through verbal presentations and written outlets (e.g. academic publications, technical reports, blog posts).
Ideally you'll have:
- A PhD in Physics, Engineer, a closely related discipline or relevant industry experience.
- Experience in the theory, numerical modelling, and/or optimization of one or more of the following: atom interferometry; cold and/or ultracold atomic systems; optical magnetometry and/or quantum sensing in warm atomic vapours; nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond; pulse-level optimisation and quantum control techniques.
- Experience successfully delivering project-level goals involving multiple contributors.
- Finally, you will have a strong desire to work with a world leading team and a company that is fundamentally building the future of the quantum technology industry.
Bonus points if you have:
- Familiarity with the Python programming language for scientific computing.
- Experience modelling real experiments/hardware and working closely with experimental teams.
Why Q-CTRL?
Flexibility: We embrace workplace flexibility so you worry more about your global impact vs a rigid work schedule.
Attractive salary: You’ll get to live the start-up life without start-up wages.
Equity: We want people to have a sense of ownership in what they do and offer the potential for equity share and annual bonuses.
Resources: We are well funded by the world’s best technology investors, letting us chase our ambitions with minimal constraints.
Parental support: We offer paid parental leave to support you and your loved ones!
Diversity: We’re an equal employment opportunity employer. We value diversity, inclusion and providing equal opportunities to all, actively supporting initiatives like the ‘Global Women in Quantum’ program among others.
Unique culture: You’ll be surrounded by some of the world’s leading physicists, engineers, product, marketing and design people (to name a few!) with a strong desire to learn and transfer knowledge.
Meaningful values: You’ll work with an incredibly supportive team who work consistently to deliver our core values to be real, be trusted, be just and to be revered.
Personal development: We provide you with a personal development and wellness budget.
Impactful work: Last but not least! You’ll have the opportunity to work in the world’s leading field of technology and truly make an impact that matters!
Q-CTRL is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. We are committed to being inclusive in the way we hire. We strongly encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements mentioned in the job posting.
Please be advised that our communications will only come from the @q-ctrl.com domain. All our active job postings are available on our company website.
To recruitment agencies, we do not accept unsolicited branded profiles and are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
