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- Tasks: Operate and improve cutting-edge trapped-ion quantum computers.
- Company: Join IonQ, a leader in quantum computing innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, stock options, flexible working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of quantum technology with a world-class team.
- Qualifications: Degree in physics or engineering and hands-on lab experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Oxford Ionics, now part of IonQ, is pioneering the next generation of quantum computing. Using our world‑leading trapped‑ion technology, we're building the most powerful, accurate and reliable quantum systems to tackle problems that today's supercomputers cannot solve. Joining Oxford Ionics means becoming part of a global IonQ team that is transforming the future of quantum technology – faster, at scale, and with real world impact.
We are looking for a Senior Physicist, System Operations to join our System Operations team at IonQ. In this role, you will be responsible for operating, maintaining, and improving our trapped‑ion quantum computers, contributing to the team's mission of keeping IonQ's quantum systems running reliably and effectively. You’ll play an important part in shaping the processes, observability, automation, and maintenance practices that support our work in building and operating advanced quantum systems.
In this position, you will work on the day‑to‑day operation, monitoring, maintenance, and optimisation of our quantum computing systems, supporting the effective delivery of reliable system performance across commercial and development environments. You’ll have the opportunity to improve uptime, strengthen operational practices, and deepen understanding of hardware behaviour through data and hands‑on system work, contributing directly to the success of the wider quantum computing programme.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Participate in follow‑the‑sun on‑call rotations to help keep systems running at peak performance.
- Build and maintain observability and automation to support high uptime across commercial and development quantum computers.
- Carry out regular and emergency hardware maintenance on trapped‑ion quantum systems.
- Interpret telemetry data to diagnose system status and improve understanding of hardware behaviour.
- Collaborate across teams and time zones, including coordinating with customers on system access and status updates.
Requirements:
To be successful, you will need a strong foundation in physics, engineering, or another physical science, along with hands‑on laboratory experience relevant to operating complex experimental systems. We’re looking for someone who can work carefully and collaboratively in a distributed team, communicate clearly across time zones, and adapt in a fast‑moving technical environment.
You'd Be a Great Fit With:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in physics, engineering, or another physical science.
- Hands‑on laboratory experience in atomic and/or optical physics, ideally including optical bench setups, precision alignment, laser frequency stabilisation, and optical modulators.
- Strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to work effectively in a distributed team.
- Flexibility to work changing hours as part of a 24/7 on‑call rotation, alongside a strong willingness to learn and adapt.
- Experience with statistics, telemetry or data analysis, and ideally programming in Rust or Python, software engineering, or RF / analog / digital electronics in precision control systems.
Benefits:
Be part of a team that's shaping the future of quantum. We offer more than just a role; you’ll join a world‑class community of scientists, engineers and innovators working to unlock the full potential of quantum computing. We offer a range of benefits, including opportunities to further your career alongside industry leaders, a competitive salary with IonQ stock options, an annual performance bonus, generous annual leave, flexible hybrid 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. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Physicist, System Operations in Oxford employer: Physics World
Contact Detail:
Physics World Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Physicist, System Operations in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at IonQ or in the quantum computing field on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a project that highlights your hands-on experience with quantum systems. This will demonstrate your practical knowledge and passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview by being ready to discuss real-world applications of your work. Think about how your background in physics or engineering can contribute to IonQ's mission and be prepared to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 4
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 genuinely interested in joining the IonQ team.
We think you need these skills to ace Physicist, System Operations in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Physicist role. Highlight any hands-on laboratory experience and relevant projects that showcase your understanding of quantum systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about quantum computing and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Be sure to mention specific technologies or methodologies you've worked with that relate to the job.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since collaboration is key in our distributed team, demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Share examples of how you've effectively worked with others across different time zones or disciplines.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Physics World
✨Know Your Quantum Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of quantum computing, especially trapped-ion technology. Be ready to discuss how your background in physics or engineering relates to the role and how you can contribute to maintaining and optimising these complex systems.
✨Show Off Your Hands-On Experience
Prepare to talk about your hands-on laboratory experience, particularly with atomic and optical physics. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on that involved precision alignment or laser frequency stabilisation, as this will demonstrate your practical skills.
✨Communicate Clearly and Collaboratively
Since you'll be working in a distributed team, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you can convey complex ideas simply and effectively, especially when discussing telemetry data or system diagnostics.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
The role involves a 24/7 on-call rotation, so be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing hours. Highlight any previous experiences where you successfully managed time-sensitive tasks or worked under pressure.