AMO Physicist - Summer Placement

Salary: £22,096
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire

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, the government, and the research community to deliver quantum computing capabilities for the UK and support the growth of the emerging industry.

There is an opportunity to join the NQCC Neutral Atom Quantum Computing (TAQC) team to undertake a 12-week placement during the summer of 2025. Our team works to support UK development of quantum computing resources based on neutral atoms, developing and deploying robust and re-usable quantum computing platforms to support our technology roadmap.

During this summer placement, you will work alongside experienced atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physicists to support the design, construction, and benchmarking of an experimental TAQC platform within a lab environment.

This studentship role will center on supporting the experimental and theoretical teams to design, build, and characterise cutting-edge experimental tweezer array quantum computing hardware in our world-class laboratory facilities. You will undertake a 12-week project that will include the opportunity to work across one or more of the following areas:

• Development / optimisation of TAQC hardware modules.
• Quantum measurement & data analysis.
• Development / optimisation of TAQC control systems.
• Landscaping / road-mapping for future TAQC development.
• Automated monitoring & feedback systems.
• Theoretical projects to benchmark or enhance TAQC performance.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students who enjoy working well individually, collaborating with a team, and are interested in quantum science and technology!

Summary of Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Developing and testing experimental systems.
• Undertaking proof-of-concept / engineering R&D projects to enhance experimental performance.
• Producing roadmaps and reports on progress in aspects of TAQC.
• Analyzing and reporting on commercial TAQC performance.
• Designing & benchmarking experimental control systems.
• Implementing automated monitoring and feedback systems.
• Developing environmental monitoring systems.
• Communicating progress and discussing results with NQCC scientists.
• Producing a final report and project presentation.

To apply for this placement, we are looking for the following:

• You are in full-time education at university and will be returning to university/your studies once the summer placement has concluded.
• You have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement.
• A demonstrable interest in quantum science and technology.
• Experience working in a team, and being able to demonstrate autonomy within their area of responsibility.
• Experience in programming (Python preferred, other languages acceptable).
• Conceptual understanding of quantum computing or AMO Physics.
• Working towards a degree in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in working in a laboratory - in particular with optics, lasers, or high-voltage supplies.

Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based on how you meet each essential criterion 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.

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.

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.

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 a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.

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.

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.

How to apply

Online applications are preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter outlining 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.

Additional Information

• Organisation: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
• External Closing Date: Mar 9, 2025
• Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 22,096