At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build superconducting quantum computing systems while collaborating on innovative research projects.
- Company: Join the National Quantum Computing Centre, a leader in quantum technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a generous pension scheme, and 30 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the exciting field of quantum computing with world-class experts.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in superconducting quantum devices and strong programming skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving groundbreaking advances in science and technology.
The predicted salary is between 48500 - 62500 £ per year.
Job Identification: 1375
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
Contract Type: Up to 2 Permanent Positions
Salary: Band E S1, £56,509 gross per annum
Hours: Full-time
We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants.
Apply by: 05/10/2025, 23:55
Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.
Come and discover how much you can achieve when you’re surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity.
About NQCC
The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is the UK’s national laboratory dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of quantum computing.
Headquartered at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, the NQCC works across government, industry, and academia to address the engineering challenges of scaling quantum computers and to build a quantum-ready economy. Its mission is to enable the UK to solve complex societal and industrial challenges by harnessing the transformative potential of quantum computing.
The NQCC is a joint initiative of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). It sits alongside other departments within the STFC National Laboratories and is part of the wider National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP).
Our Benefits include a flexible working scheme (subject to business requirements), a defined benefit pension scheme and 30 days annual leave allowance plus 10.5 bank holiday/privilege days and several other benefits.
The Role
You will be based in the Superconducting Circuits Group in the Research Division of NQCC. Using your skills in superconducting quantum devices, you will work on a variety of science and engineering projects in superconducting qubit hardware and software. You will develop scalable and robust quantum computing systems to ensure in-house capability, progress on the technology roadmap, and maintain NQCC’s trusted technical expertise in quantum computing.
Key areas will include high-performance qubit architectures, improved wiring and signalling, scalable control and calibration, benchmarking & noise analysis, and quantum error correction.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and build superconducting quantum computing (SCQC) systems.
- Perform experimental characterisation, optimisation, and benchmarking of SCQC systems.
- Research and develop strategies to improve system performance, integration and scaling.
- Work with NQCC colleagues on full-stack integration and use of quantum computers.
- Perform collaborative R&D on enabling technologies with academic and industry partners.
- Keep up to date with advances in the field, present and publish non-confidential results.
Person Specification
We offer significant development opportunities at the NQCC, but as a starting point, you should be able to demonstrate some of the following.
(Please note the criteria below will be assessed at the Shortlisting or Interview stage as indicated)
- PhD or equivalent industry research in superconducting quantum devices or a related field
- Conceptual understanding of superconducting qubits and quantum computing systems
- Familiar with dilution fridge measurements and cryogenic microwave signal chains
- Scientific programming skills for instrumentation, measurements and data analysis
- Measurement experience with superconducting qubits or similar quantum devices
- Motivated to work in a collaborative research team, with areas of individual responsibility
- Able to communicate effectively, including technical writing and presentation
Please note that if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you will be required to pay costs directly to the Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some or all of these fees after you have become an employee, and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact Recruitment@ukri.org.
Join us and discover what’s possible!
About us
UKRI – UK Research and Innovation
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.
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. For more details, visit the benefits of working for UKRI.
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 applicants with a disability who opt into the disability confident scheme and meet the minimum criteria for the role. 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.
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.
About the team
The Science and Technology Facilities Council is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation where curiosity-driven, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people – and more broadly to the world.
One of Europe’s largest research organisations, we’re trusted to support, enable and undertake cutting-edge projects in an amazing diversity of fields. Through world-class facilities and people, we’re driving ground-breaking advances in science, engineering, computing and technology. Our research seeks to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, yet creates impact on a very tangible, human scale.
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Superconducting Qubit Physicist employer: National Quantum Computing Centre
Contact Detail:
National Quantum Computing Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Superconducting Qubit Physicist
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the quantum computing field! Attend conferences, join online forums, or even hit up local meetups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that superconducting qubit physicist role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences with superconducting quantum devices and any cool projects you've worked on. Let them see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Before any interview, do your homework on the NQCC and their current projects. Tailor your discussions to show how your skills can directly contribute to their goals. This shows you're not just another candidate; you're the right fit for their team.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the NQCC and making an impact in the world of quantum computing.
We think you need these skills to ace Superconducting Qubit Physicist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Superconducting Qubit Physicist. Highlight your relevant experience in superconducting quantum devices and any specific projects that align with the job description. We want to see how your skills fit right into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quantum computing and how you can contribute to our mission at NQCC. Be sure to mention your motivation for applying and how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description.
Follow the Application Instructions: Pay close attention to the application instructions. Make sure to include the job reference number in your document filenames and submit both your CV and cover letter. We can't stress enough how important it is to follow these guidelines to ensure your application is considered!
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit: Since this role involves working closely with colleagues and partners, highlight your teamwork skills in your application. Share examples of past collaborations or projects where you contributed to a team effort. We love seeing candidates who thrive in a collaborative environment!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Quantum Computing Centre
✨Know Your Qubits
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of superconducting qubits and quantum computing systems. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of high-performance qubit architectures and how they relate to the role. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Experience
When discussing your past work, highlight specific projects where you've designed or built superconducting quantum computing systems. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your experimental characterisation and optimisation skills. This will help the interviewers see how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work in a collaborative research team. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with colleagues or partners in academia or industry. This is crucial for a role that involves full-stack integration and collaborative R&D.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to dilution fridge measurements, cryogenic microwave signal chains, and scientific programming. Brush up on these topics and be ready to discuss your measurement experience with superconducting qubits. This preparation will help you feel more confident during the interview.