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- Tasks: Develop real-time control systems for cutting-edge quantum processing units using Python.
- Company: Join a pioneering team in quantum technology based in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, gym membership, and private medical cover.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of quantum science and make a tangible impact.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree in Experimental Physics or equivalent lab experience required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Cambridge, UK
Visa Sponsorship available
About the Role
As a Quantum Control Scientist within our Atomic, Molecular & Optical (AMO) team, you will commission and develop the real-time control layer that drives our in-house trappedâion quantum processing units. You will design and implement reliable workflows for timeâcritical data acquisition and stabilisation protocols, interfacing primarily in Python with custom electronics, laser and RF hardware.
Responsibilities
- Develop and manage realâtime orchestration of experimental hardware with the openâsource ARTIQ platform
- Integrate and control custom hardware (e.g. boards from electronics and FPGA teams), and thirdâparty hardware, primarily using Python
- Monitor experimental parameters and automate their analysis to reduce manual overhead and improve repeatability
- Commission, document and train team members on hardware and software systems
- Collaborate closely with physicists and engineers to meet technical and performance objectives
- Develop graphical user interfaces for experimental control, realâtime monitoring, and data visualisation
- Coordinate with the software team to standardise workflows, upholding companyâwide best practice for maintainable and scalable code
Requirements
- Postgraduate degree in Experimental Physics or equivalent experience working in an optics, AMO physics, or ion trapping laboratory (lasers, cavities, RF systems and qubit control)
- Demonstrated experience diagnosing and resolving issues with realâtime control platforms based on FPGA or microcontroller architectures, ideally including familiarity with the ARTIQ platform
- Strong software development skills for scientific or experimental environments, preferably including Python
- Experience integrating, controlling and automating laboratory subsystems and instrumentation for experimental control and measurement (such as oscilloscopes, network analysers, RF generators, imaging systems and laser control units) through driver development, gateware design or API interfacing
- Proven ability to debug complex hardwareâsoftware interactions, with a methodical approach to developing diagnostic and corrective solutions
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to adapt technical content and context to varied audiences
- Commitment to facilitate effective crossâteam knowledge transfer through clear documentation and structured handovers
Desirable (nice to have but not required)
- Familiarity with building infrastructure as code, such as automation (e.g. Ansible) and/or version control (e.g. Git)
- Experience with Linuxâbased deployment or development environments (schedulers, scripting, package management, socket communication, etc.)
- Knowledge of hardware control protocols (e.g. PyVisa, SCPI, MQTT)
- Familiarity with metrics and visualization frameworks (e.g. Prometheus, Influx, Grafana)
- Experience with numerical computing tools (e.g. Numpy, SciPy, Octave, Matlab)
- Experience using issueâtracking systems (e.g. Jira, YouTrack, GitHub/GitLab)
- Experience developing basic GUI tools (e.g. with PyQt or similar frameworks) for experimental control or data visualisation
Benefits
- Refreshments, including fruit and beverages, available in the office
- Flexible working options
- 28 days annual leave, inclusive of a 3âday company shutdown period + UK Bank Holidays
- Option to purchase up to 5 days holiday per year
- Access to the Cambridge Botanical Gardens
- Onâsite gym membership
- Cycle scheme
- Private Medical and Dental Cover (With Vitality and Bupa)
- Enhanced paid family leave policies
- Generous Employee Referral Scheme
- 1 month paid Sabbatical after 4 years of service
- Group Life Assurance (4 Ă salary)
Quantum Control Scientist in Cambridge employer: Nu Quantum
Contact Detail:
Nu Quantum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Quantum Control Scientist in Cambridge
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the quantum control field, attend relevant meetups or conferences, and donât be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
â¨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those involving Python and real-time control systems. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
â¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of FPGA and microcontroller architectures. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as communication is key when collaborating with physicists and engineers.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our company.
We think you need these skills to ace Quantum Control Scientist in Cambridge
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Quantum Control Scientist role. Highlight your experience with Python, real-time control platforms, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quantum control and how your background in experimental physics makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal â we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on any relevant projects, make sure to mention them! Whether it's developing GUIs or automating lab equipment, we want to know what you've done. Include links to any code repositories or documentation if possible.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. Itâs super easy, and you'll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nu Quantum
â¨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure youâre well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Python and the ARTIQ platform. Brush up on your experience with real-time control platforms and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've integrated hardware and software.
â¨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've diagnosed and resolved issues in complex hardware-software interactions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your methodical approach to troubleshooting.
â¨Collaboration is Key
Since this role involves working closely with physicists and engineers, be ready to talk about your teamwork experiences. Share instances where youâve facilitated knowledge transfer or documented processes to help others understand complex systems.
â¨Demonstrate Your Passion for Learning
Express your enthusiasm for continuous learning, especially in areas like automation, version control, and numerical computing tools. Mention any relevant courses or projects that show your commitment to staying updated in the field.
