At a Glance
- Tasks: Support experiments in quantum optics, build setups, and analyse data.
- Company: Join ORCA Computing, a leader in quantum technology innovation.
- Benefits: Collaborative culture, hands-on experience, and opportunity to shape the future of computing.
- Other info: Work with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to groundbreaking advancements.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of quantum technology and make a real-world impact.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree in physics or engineering with quantum optics focus.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
ORCA Computing is at the forefront of a new era in high-performance computing, developing full-stack photonic quantum systems designed to transform how organizations tackle machine learning, generative AI, and complex optimization challenges. Headquartered in London, ORCA has delivered eleven on-premises quantum computers worldwide, demonstrating that its technology is not theoretical but already delivering real-world results.
At the core of ORCA’s innovation is its hybrid quantum-classical architecture, engineered for seamless integration into existing AI and HPC infrastructure. Its current PT-2 system, a rack-mounted quantum computer, connects directly to GPU clusters via NVIDIA’s CUDA-Q platform, enabling accelerated AI workloads with significantly lower energy consumption than traditional silicon-based systems. Backed by a strong portfolio of patent families spanning photonic integrated circuits, quantum memory, and multiplexing technologies, ORCA is enabling enterprises, research institutions, and HPC operators to unlock new levels of performance, efficiency, and scalability.
As ORCA prepares to launch its next-generation PT-3 system, the company is entering a pivotal phase of growth and technological advancement. Its solutions are already being embedded into generative AI pipelines, delivering measurable improvements in model performance while also addressing the rising energy demands of large-scale AI adoption. With a focus on practical deployment and a clear roadmap to fault-tolerant quantum computing, ORCA is leading the development and deployment of quantum technology, providing a commercially viable path to the future of computing.
What will you do
- Support day-to-day experiments in the lab: set up optics, align components, run procedures, and capture results.
- Help build and improve experimental test setups for generating, manipulating, and measuring quantum states of light—working from existing designs and guidance from senior team members.
- Write and maintain Python scripts for data acquisition, automation, and basic instrument control to make experiments repeatable.
- Analyze data, plot key metrics, and summarise what you found—clearly documenting methods, settings, and conclusions.
- Assist with debugging and improving stability/reliability of optical and electronic systems by running structured tests and tracking issues.
- Collaborate with scientists and engineers to integrate lab learnings into larger systems, including supporting assembly, commissioning, and performance checks.
What will you bring – required
- Master’s degree (or higher) in physics, engineering, or a related applied science, with a strong focus on quantum optics and/or quantum information.
- Experience working in a research or lab environment, collaborating with scientists/engineers to deliver experimental outcomes.
- Strong analytical and experimental problem-solving skills—able to debug complex optical/electrical systems methodically.
- Ability to write and modify Python code for automation, instrumentation control, and/or data acquisition.
- A practical, hands-on mindset and curiosity to learn quickly.
Nice to have
- Hands-on experience with lasers, building optical systems, and common photonics components (e.g., EOMs/AOMs, fibre optic components).
- Knowledge of nonlinear optics and/or optical interferometry, and the practical considerations that affect stability and visibility.
- Electronics experience with data acquisition, high-speed digital systems, and/or RF systems used in experimental control.
Who we are looking for
- Bias toward action: You make progress in ambiguous spaces—running the right experiments, instrumenting for learning, and iterating quickly.
- Ownership mindset: You take responsibility for outcomes end-to-end, from experimental design through to documentation, handover, and integration support.
- Resourcefulness: You find pragmatic paths forward despite constraints in time, equipment, or incomplete information.
- Intellectual humility: You challenge assumptions (including your own), welcome review, and use data to converge on the best solution.
- Cross-functional thinking: You can translate research results into what matters for product performance, reliability, manufacturability, and customer value.
Joining ORCA Computing offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of quantum technology, where innovation is already delivering real-world impact. Across commercial, operational, and product roles, you’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to bring advanced quantum systems to market and help integrate quantum capabilities into modern AI and data centre ecosystems. ORCA provides a rare chance to contribute to a pivotal moment in the evolution of computing. With a culture built on ownership, collaboration, and ambition, the company empowers individuals to solve complex challenges and shape how next-generation quantum technologies are developed, deployed, and scaled across industries – driving a more efficient and powerful future for AI and compute.
Research Scientist – Quantum Optics in London employer: ORCA Computing Ltd
At ORCA Computing, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the cutting edge of quantum technology in London. Our culture fosters collaboration and innovation, empowering employees to take ownership of their projects while providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a commitment to real-world impact and a focus on ambitious goals, joining our team means contributing to transformative advancements in high-performance computing and AI.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Scientist – Quantum Optics in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the quantum optics field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring a portfolio of your past projects or experiments to interviews. This gives us a tangible way to see what you can do and how you think.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your Python coding and experimental setups. We want to see how you approach problem-solving in real-time.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining ORCA.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Scientist – Quantum Optics in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Scientist role. Highlight your experience in quantum optics and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're doing at ORCA!
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications—demonstrate them! Include specific examples of your hands-on experience in the lab, especially with optical systems and Python coding. We love seeing practical applications of your knowledge.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your experiences and achievements. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point—no fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the ORCA team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ORCA Computing Ltd
✨Know Your Quantum Optics
Make sure you brush up on your quantum optics knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific concepts, such as nonlinear optics and optical interferometry, as well as how they relate to the work at ORCA. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
During the interview, highlight any hands-on experience you've had with lasers or building optical systems. Share specific examples of experiments you've conducted, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This practical insight will demonstrate your resourcefulness and ownership mindset.
✨Demonstrate Your Coding Skills
Since Python scripting is a key part of the role, be ready to discuss your experience with writing and modifying code for data acquisition and automation. If possible, bring along examples of scripts you've worked on or describe how you've used coding to improve experimental outcomes.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Problem-Solving
ORCA values cross-functional thinking and collaboration, so be prepared to talk about times when you've worked with scientists or engineers to achieve a common goal. Discuss how you approach problem-solving in ambiguous situations and how you ensure that your findings translate into practical applications.
