Ion Trap Physicist – Quantum Computing

  • Job Title: Trapped Ion Physicist- Quantum Computing
  • Location: RAL, Harwell Campus- Oxfordshire
  • Contract: Open Ended
  • Number of Positions: Up to 5
  • Salary: Band E midpoint, Up to £44,166 Gross per Annum *
  • Reports To: Trapped Ions Hardware Technology Development Manager
  • Hours: Full-time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

*Specialist Allowances, which are a form of additional pay independent of salary, may be applicable for this role for suitably qualified candidates.

Background

As part of the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is leading a programme to establish a National Quantum Computing Centre, which includes a commitment of £93m over 5 years, dedicated to drive development in the field of Quantum Computing and to place the UK at the forefront of the field. The Centre is a joint initiative of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

A purpose-built National Quantum Computing Centre will be built and operated by UKRI at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) campus in Oxfordshire. The Centre will be open and operational by December 2022. Until then, the NQCC’s activities are taking place in other facilities on the Harwell Campus or at partnering institutions. The NQCC will sit alongside other departments within the STFC National Laboratories and will be part of the broader National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP).

The primary purpose of the NQCC is to fill a key gap in the research and innovation landscape addressing the challenge of scaling quantum computing. However, this technology is immature and extensive development work is needed to scale the fundamental science to provide usable computing systems.

The NQCC’s initial 5 years will focus on developing a Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum (NISQ) machine to demonstrate the technology as well as software, algorithm and applications development. The longer-term aim is to scale the technology towards an error and noise-free fault-tolerant machine capability with benchmarking and verification demonstrated in collaboration with the UK and international partners. The NQCC will give assured and direct access to early prototype machines to developers and promote the formation of a strong UK-based quantum computing supply chain.

Our Benefits

UK Research and Innovation recognises and values employees as individuals and aim to provide a pay and rewards package that motivates staff to perform to the best of their ability. The reward package includes a flexible working scheme, Defined benefit pension scheme (employer contribution – currently up to 26%), 30 days annual leave allowance plus 10.5 bank holiday/privilege days and a number of other benefits.

Skills and Experience Required 

Essential:

  • Technical knowledge in quantum computing
  • Experience in ion trapping. Previous neutral atom trapping experience is also applicable at partial credit
  • Experience in working in a laboratory or R&D environment
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to influence internal staff and end user
  • The post holder needs to be a proactive, self-motivated person, able to work in a dynamic environment
  • Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, but also demonstrate autonomy within their area of responsibility
  • Quality of cover letter

Desirable:

  • Experience in “trapped ion chip modelling & design” or “high fidelity ion trap microwave-based gates”
  • Experience in working with lasers, optics, cavity frequency locks, and imaging systems
  • Experience in development and test of trapped ion qubit devices
  • Knowledge of scaling, a quantum programming language, and control systems for ion-based quantum computers

How to Apply

  • Online applications are only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the file name description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
  • UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

About STFC

The Science and Technology Facilities Council is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation where curiosity-driven, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people – and more broadly to the world.

One of Europe’s largest research organisations, we’re trusted to support, enable and undertake cutting-edge projects in an amazing diversity of fields. Through world-class facilities and people, we’re driving ground-breaking advances in science, engineering, computing and technology. Our research seeks to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, yet creates an impact on a very tangible, human scale.

For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/

You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/

About UKRI

Launched in April 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). UK Research and Innovation brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England, which is responsible for supporting research and knowledge exchange at higher education institutions in England, and the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK. More information can be found at https://www.ukri.org/.

Additional Information

  • Organisation: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) – Scientific Computing Department
  • Contract Type: Open Ended
  • External Closing Date: Nov 28, 2021
  • Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 44,166
  • Hours: Full-time