Trapped Ion Physicist – Graduate

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Salary: £31,878 (plus £1000 welcome bonus
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Open Ended
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
Closing Date: Sunday 20th October 2024
Assessment Centre: December 2024/January 2025 TBC (travel and accommodation will be reimbursed)

Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate.

The NQCC is the UK’s national centre for quantum computing, dedicated to accelerating its development by addressing the challenges of scaling up the technology. Our vision is to enable the UK to solve some of the most complex and challenging problems facing society by harnessing the potential of quantum computing. The centre is working with businesses, government, and the research community to deliver quantum computing capabilities for the UK and support the growth of the emerging industry.

The NQCC’s programme represents a £93m investment and is being delivered jointly by the research councils, EPSRC and STFC, as part of UK Research and Innovation. The centre is headquartered within STFC’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory site at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire.

About the Role:

You will work with scientists in the NQCC’s Trapped Ions Quantum Computing Team to support our development of quantum computing hardware. Your skills will be developed and be supported by a diverse team working towards the NQCC’s goals of delivering scalable quantum computing capabilities. This will include the opportunity to work across one or more of the following elements:

  • Hands-on development (laser systems, cryogenic systems, vacuum systems, electronics)
  • Measurements and data analysis
  • Software for experimental control
  • Horizon scoping and planning

For this role, you must be able to work well individually and as part of a team and be interested in quantum science and technology.

About the STFC Graduate Scheme

The STFC Graduate scheme will give you the opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion early in your journey with us, supported by technical training and a broader programme of career support and training and development.

Our dedicated Early Careers Development Team will provide the right combination of challenge and support throughout, helping you achieve your ambitions. We know that professional recognition is also important to you too, so we will provide mentoring and expertise to help you achieve valued qualifications or chartered status in your chosen field.

STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, an outstanding index linked pension scheme, 10.5 public and privilege days, Christmas closure and flexible working hours. For more information on our full list of benefits, please visit here.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Contributing to the design, development, assembly, and optimisation of ion trap quantum computing systems
  • Contributing to software and experimental control systems
  • Communicating progress and discussing results with NQCC scientists
  • Representing the NQCC at STFC and external events with commercial and academic partners and collaborators

To apply for this graduate opportunity, we are looking for the following:
Key: Shortlisting (S), Interview (I), both Shortlisting and Interview (S&I)

Essential:

  • Achieved, or be on course to achieve, a minimum 2:1 degree, in a relevant field of study (S)
  • Have the right to live and work in the UK at time of starting employment (S)
  • A demonstrable interest in quantum science and technology (S&I)
  • Experience in working in a laboratory – in particular with optics, lasers, or high-voltage supplies (S&I)
  • Good written and oral communication skills (S&I)
  • Experience working in a team, and able to demonstrate autonomy within their area of responsibility (S&I)
  • Experience in programming in Python (or similar languages) (S&I)

Desirable:

  • Technical knowledge in quantum computing (S&I)

Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.

About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) 

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel.

We’re a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don’t, ask questions that others won’t, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it’s at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It’s very often ground-breaking.  And it’s endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.

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

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


About UK Research Innovation (UKRI) 

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. 

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation. 

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.  

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.  For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.  UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.


How we support EDI in the workforce 

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’


Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 

 
How to apply 

Online applications 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 filename 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. 

Additional Information

  • Organisation: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) – National Quantum Computing Centre
  • Contract Type: Open Ended
  • External Closing Date: Oct 20, 2024
  • Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 31,878
  • Hours: Full-time
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