Senior Research Scientist – AMO Physics
A quantum technology company is looking for a Senior Research Scientist to develop experimental systems at the intersection of cold-atom physics, cavity QED and quantum optics.
Responsibilities
- Design, build and operate systems for trapping and delivering atomic ensembles into optical microcavities.
- Develop and optimise cavity coupling, state preparation and locking techniques for stable atom–cavity interactions.
- Implement and characterise nonlinear quantum protocols, with the goal of achieving strong photon–photon quantum gates.
- Take complex AMO and quantum optics experiments from initial design through construction, commissioning and reliable operation.
- Work closely with physicists and engineers to improve experimental performance, repeatability and integration into a wider photonic quantum computing platform.
- Contribute to experimental strategy and future research directions based on measured performance, technical risks and opportunities.
- Contribute to publications, patents and internal technical reviews.
Requirements
- PhD in Physics or a related discipline, or equivalent research experience.
- Strong background in AMO physics and quantum optics.
- Extensive hands-on experience building and operating cold-atom experiments, including laser cooling, magneto-optical traps, dipole trapping and ultra-high-vacuum systems.
- Experience interfacing atoms with optical cavities, or closely related cavity-QED experience.
- Practical experience with cavity locking and laser frequency stabilisation.
- Proven ability to take sophisticated experiments from design through to stable, high-performance operation.
- A results-focused approach, with an emphasis on building reliable and repeatable experimental systems.
Desirable: Experience with high-density atomic ensembles, fibre coupling, single-photon detection, experimental automation or photonic quantum computing.
Location: Central London | On-site, lab-based