At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop next-gen quantum magnetometers and improve their sensitivity.
- Company: Q-CTRL, a leader in AI-powered quantum control software with a global presence.
- Benefits: Flexible work hours, equity potential, and competitive benefits in a high-performance culture.
- Other info: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to cutting-edge research and development.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact in quantum technology and solve pressing challenges across industries.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in Physics or Engineering; expertise in quantum sensing and signal processing.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
About the team
Q-CTRL’s Quantum Sensing Research team performs basic and applied research in quantum sensing and quantum-enabled navigation. It is a highly dynamic team comprising approximately 30 specialists in theoretical and experimental atomic physics, cold-atom interferometry, navigation modelling, and modern Bayesian estimation and signal processing techniques.
The Quantum Sensing Research and Quantum Sensing Engineering teams work closely together, translating novel quantum sensing research into a useful capability and product. We are focussed on pushing the boundary of what is possible in quantum sensing and ensuring our R&D has real-world impact.
About the role
The purpose of this role is to help develop next-generation small-form-factor quantum magnetometers that are exquisitely sensitive, ultrastable, and able to operate reliably in harsh fielded environments. A key part of this role is to use the techniques of quantum control to improve the sensitivity and robustness of magnetometers. This will involve developing novel software-layer control protocols and operating modes for optically pumped atomic magnetometers, as well as advanced statistical filtering techniques, in order to deliver step-change performance improvements in noisy operating conditions.
The algorithms, signal processing, and data analytics developed by you and the rest of the team will inform the design, build, and operation of our quantum sensors. In all cases, a major focus is on real-world performance – you will be taking your code and algorithms, applying them to actual, field-deployed platforms, and working to make them effective.
Additionally, you will contribute to the efficient and effective functioning of Q-CTRL. This will sometimes include helping out regardless of boundaries of responsibility to help us achieve our mission of making quantum technology useful.
What you\'ll be doing:
- Be part of an established and growing team focused on quantum sensing for a variety of industry sectors such as aerospace, defence, geophysical exploration and Earth observation.
- Develop quantum control algorithms to improve the sensitivity and robustness of optically pumped magnetometers.
- Use statistical techniques such as Kalman and particle filters to improve sensitivity and remove noise.
- Perform time series analysis and develop platform and environmental noise compensation techniques using state-of-the-art digital signal processing and machine learning methods.
- Use data analytics to translate quantum sensor data streams into capabilities that solve pressing challenges for current and prospective end-users and customers.
- Develop, document, and review high-quality software using Python.
- Share your insights and results with the broader Quantum Sensing Division, company, external stakeholders and customers through verbal presentations and written outlets (e.g. academic publications, technical reports, blog posts).
- Share your insights into control-augmented quantum sensing with the broader Quantum Sensing Division, company, external stakeholders and customers through verbal presentations and written outlets (e.g. academic publications, technical reports, blog posts).
- Other duties within the Employee\'s skills and experience, or with reasonable training.
Ideally you\'ll have:
- A PhD (or equivalent industry experience) in Physics, Engineering or a closely related discipline.
- Experience in the theory, numerical modelling, and/or optimization of one or more of the following: atomic spin ensembles, quantum sensing in warm atomic vapours, pulse-level optimisation and quantum control techniques.
- Knowledge of statistical techniques such as Kalman and particle filtering.
- Experience in time and frequency digital signal processing, e.g. adaptive filtering, Kalman filtering.
- Contributing to a software system architecture with multiple components developed by different teams, adhering to best-practice software development precepts.
Bonus points if you have (but not essential):
- Expertise with Python programming language for scientific computing.
- Experience with version control e.g. Git with CI/CD pipelines.
- Experience modelling real quantum experiments/hardware and working closely with both theoretical and experimental teams.
- Demonstrated experience in improving experimental outcomes through novel signal processing or denoising algorithms.
About Q-CTRL
Q-CTRL is the global leader in AI-powered quantum control infrastructure software. We build the tools that make quantum technology useful, solving the hardest challenges in quantum computing and quantum sensing to deliver real-world impact.
Founded in 2017, we operate globally with offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berlin, and Oxford. Our teams bring together technical and multi‑disciplinary expertise across the product lifecycle, and we’re hiring talent to help scale every part of the business. We work quickly to turn cutting‑edge science into deployable technology.
In 2024 we raised US$113 million in Series B funding, the largest aggregate investment for a quantum software company. Six months later we delivered the first commercial quantum advantage with Ironstone Opal, our field‑validated quantum navigation solution for defense and industry.
At Q-CTRL, we prioritize outcomes over hours. We offer flexibility, equity potential, and competitive benefits that reflect our high-performance culture. If you’re ready to help shape the future of quantum, we’d love to hear from you!
Please be advised that our communications will only come from the @q-ctrl.com domain. All our active job postings are available on our company website.
To recruitment agencies, we do not accept unsolicited branded profiles and are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Senior Scientist, Quantum Sensing (Magnetometry Control) in Oxford employer: Q-CTRL
Q-CTRL is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation in quantum sensing meets real-world applications. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and encourage contributions to impactful projects. Our flexible work culture, competitive benefits, and commitment to making quantum technology useful make Q-CTRL an attractive place for talented individuals looking to advance their careers in a cutting-edge field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist, Quantum Sensing (Magnetometry Control) in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the quantum sensing field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving quantum control algorithms or signal processing. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with statistical techniques and how you've applied them in real-world scenarios.
✨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 our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist, Quantum Sensing (Magnetometry Control) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Scientist role. Highlight your experience in quantum sensing, control algorithms, and any relevant statistical techniques. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Q-CTRL!
Showcase Your Projects:Include specific examples of projects you've worked on that relate to quantum magnetometry or signal processing. We love seeing real-world applications of your work, so don’t hold back on the details!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your experience and achievements. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Q-CTRL
✨Know Your Quantum Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of quantum sensing and control techniques. Be ready to discuss specific algorithms, like Kalman and particle filters, and how they apply to magnetometry. Showing that you understand the theoretical and practical aspects will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Coding Skills
Since Python programming is key for this role, prepare to demonstrate your coding abilities. Bring examples of your previous work, especially any software you've developed related to signal processing or data analytics. Being able to talk through your code and its impact will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Real-World Applications
Think about how your work can translate into real-world applications. Be ready to discuss how you would approach developing quantum magnetometers for harsh environments. Highlighting your understanding of practical challenges and solutions will resonate well with the team.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is crucial, especially when sharing insights with diverse stakeholders. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you might need to present your findings or write reports. Clear communication will show that you can collaborate effectively within the team and beyond.
