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.
