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

• Measurements and data analysis
• Software for experimental control

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.

Summary of Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Contributing to the design, development, assembly, and optimisation of ion trap quantum computing systems
• Contributing to experiments and control systems
• Communicating progress and discussing results with NQCC scientists

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
• Currently working towards a relevant STEM undergraduate degree
• A demonstrable interest in quantum science and technology
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Experience working in a team, and being able to demonstrate autonomy within their area of responsibility
• Experience in working in a laboratory - in particular with optics, lasers, cryogenics
• Experience in programming in Python (or similar languages)
• Knowledge of quantum computing or related fields

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 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.