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- Tasks: Ensure continuous operation of quantum systems and enhance system reliability.
- Company: Oxford Ionics is a leader in quantum computing innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private medical insurance, and stock options.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking quantum technology and collaborate with top experts.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field with experience in complex cold-atom systems required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equal opportunity.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The future is quantum. Oxford Ionics is at the forefront of pioneering quantum computing, delivering world-leading innovation to create the most powerful, accurate, and reliable quantum systems. Quantum computing offers a radically new way of building computers that harnesses the power of quantum physics to outperform conventional supercomputers exponentially. Using our unique trapped-ion technology, we are leading the race to unleash quantum computing's unparalleled potential.
We are searching for a Quantum Systems Scientist to join our Quantum Infrastructure team. This is a key role responsible for ensuring our quantum systems are continuously operational, scalable and robust, enabling cutting-edge experiments and development across the business.
You’ll play a central role in building tools and systems that monitor and improve uptime, troubleshoot downtime and drive technical changes to enhance system reliability. Working with complex optomechanical systems, this role will combine diagnosis of faults with systems-level thinking and collaborative problem solving across hardware and software teams.
What You'll Be Responsible For
As a Quantum Systems Scientist, you will play a critical role in ensuring the continuous operation and performance of our trapped-ion quantum systems. Your primary focus will be to maximise system uptime by enhancing diagnostic capabilities, identifying root causes of downtime and working collaboratively across engineering teams to develop robust, preventative solutions. You will be deeply involved in system-level analysis, building tools and dashboards to surface key performance indicators and helping shape the procedures and infrastructure that support our growing number of quantum systems. This is a hands-on, systems-oriented role that combines technical rigour with operational ownership.
Key Responsibilities Include
- System diagnostics and monitoring - Expand and refine hardware and software diagnostics; log and visualise key parameters; implement sensors and build dashboards to enable rapid fault-finding.
- Downtime analysis and resolution - Analyse performance data to identify system bottlenecks or weak points; lead cross-functional efforts to design and implement robust engineering fixes.
- Preventative and reactive maintenance - Own and schedule maintenance plans; support and mentor technicians; debug complex system issues as they arise.
- Process and tooling improvement - Improve documentation, procedures and training for system maintenance and upgrades, including trap changes and routine operations.
- System design - Bring reliability to the core of future system designs, addressing current problems with engineering solutions.
Requirements
We are looking for a high-performing systems scientist with hands-on experience in the design, build and operation of complex cold-atom experiments. You’ll have worked extensively with hardware systems in a lab setting, ideally including ion traps, optical clocks, or ultra-cold atom setups. You'll also have a deep understanding of free-space optics. This is a highly collaborative role, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with both engineers and technicians to improve system performance and reliability.
Essential Experience And Attributes
- Proven track record designing, building and operating complex cold-atom systems (e.g. ion traps, ultra-cold atoms, optical clocks).
- Background in hardware-focused experimental physics, with expertise in free-space optics.
- PhD in a relevant discipline, ideally with post-doctoral experience in a high-performing research group.
- Strong communicator, able to collaborate across technical disciplines and coordinate with engineering and technician teams.
Desirable
- Programming experience in Python or ARTIQ.
- Experience automating and monitoring lab systems.
- Potential to grow into a leadership role as the team scales.
Benefits
Oxford Ionics is leading the way in quantum technology, and we need skilled, innovative individuals like you. We offer a range of benefits, including opportunities to further your career with a world-class team, business stock options, enhanced annual leave, flexible working, private medical and dental insurance for you and your family, and much more. Join us and be part of the future of quantum computing.
Oxford Ionics is committed to equal opportunity for all.
Quantum Systems Scientist employer: Oxford Ionics
Contact Detail:
Oxford Ionics Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Quantum Systems Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in quantum computing, particularly in trapped-ion technology. This will not only help you understand the company's focus but also allow you to engage in informed discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the quantum computing field, especially those who have experience with cold-atom systems or optical clocks. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to make connections that could lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your programming skills, particularly in Python or ARTIQ, as these are valuable for automating and monitoring lab systems. Consider working on personal projects that showcase your ability to apply these skills in a practical context.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to demonstrate your collaborative problem-solving skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully worked with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot complex issues, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Quantum Systems Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in designing, building, and operating complex cold-atom systems. Emphasise any hands-on work with ion traps, optical clocks, or ultra-cold atom setups, as well as your understanding of free-space optics.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for quantum technology and how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Quantum Systems Scientist role. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and collaborative nature.
Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly outline your technical skills, especially any programming experience in Python or ARTIQ. If you have experience automating and monitoring lab systems, make sure to include that as well, as it is highly desirable for this position.
Showcase Communication Abilities: Since this role requires strong communication skills, provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with engineers and technicians in past projects. This will help demonstrate your ability to work effectively across technical disciplines.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Ionics
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with complex cold-atom systems, such as ion traps and optical clocks. Highlight specific projects where you designed, built, or operated these systems, and be ready to explain the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Since this role requires working closely with engineers and technicians, emphasise your ability to communicate effectively across disciplines. Share examples of past collaborations that led to successful outcomes, showcasing your teamwork and problem-solving skills.
✨Prepare for System Diagnostics Questions
Expect questions related to system diagnostics and troubleshooting. Brush up on your knowledge of hardware and software diagnostics, and be ready to discuss how you would approach identifying and resolving system bottlenecks or weak points.
✨Discuss Future Innovations
Oxford Ionics is at the forefront of quantum technology, so be prepared to share your thoughts on future innovations in quantum computing. Discuss how you envision contributing to the development of robust, reliable systems and any ideas you have for improving current processes.
