Quantum Physicist (PhD/MSc with Experience Only

Data Freelance Hub; Aberdeen City; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable freelance recruitment platform is seeking a remote Quantum Physicist with a PhD or MSc and expertise in quantum sensing, geophysical modelling, and laboratory work. The role is a 3-month contract, with potential for extension to 18 months, starting January 2026. Candidates should possess strong skills in Python and signal processing and the ability to perform complex laboratory experiments. Competitive and negotiable salary offered.

Qualifications

• Experience with quantum sensing techniques and atomic physics.
• Understanding of gravity and magnetic fields in Earth sciences.
• Strong laboratory skills in building and operating optical setups.

Responsibilities

• Develop forward models for quantum gravimeter and magnetometer responses.
• Prepare and configure the quantum sensor testbed.
• Run controlled experiments and quantify sensor sensitivities.
• Decompose recorded signals into true anomaly signatures and noise.
• Translate physics constraints into data features for AI.

Skills

Quantum sensing & atomic physics

Geophysical modelling

Laboratory experimental skills

Signal processing

Software skills (Python)

Communication

Education

PhD/MSc in Atomic Physics, Quantum Optics, Quantum Sensing, or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Quantum Physicist (PhD/MSc with Experience Only)

⭐ - Featured Role | Apply direct with Data Freelance Hub

This role is for a Quantum Physicist (PhD/MSc) with expertise in quantum sensing, geophysical modelling, and laboratory experiments. The contract is for 3 months, remote in the UK, with a competitive pay rate. Essential skills include Python and signal processing.

Location: UK (Remote). Contract: 3 months with strong potential for Phase 2 extension to 18 months. Start: January 2026. Salary: Competitive / negotiable.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Physics Modelling & Simulation

Tasks:

• Develop forward models for:
  • quantum gravimeter response to voids, sinkholes, water ingress
  • quantum magnetometer response to ferrous and geological structures
• Implement analytical or numerical models for:
  • mass‑density contrasts, gravitational fields and gradients
  • magnetic susceptibility contrasts
• Create realistic, physics‑accurate synthetic datasets for AI training.
• Model the sensor’s transfer function, including:
  • vibration coupling, laser phase noise
  • interferometer stability
  • gravity‑gradient and magnetic‑gradient effects
• Work closely with the AI Specialist to verify the realism of simulated signatures.

Outputs:

• Complete simulation library of hazard scenarios
• Physics‑based anomaly maps
• Sensor‑response modelling report

2. Laboratory Calibration & Controlled Experiments

Tasks:

• Prepare and configure the quantum sensor testbed:
  • atom interferometer alignment
  • optical system stability
  • magnetometer sensitivity optimisation
  • vibration isolation and environmental control
• Run controlled experiments with known reference anomalies:
  • known masses (gravity)
  • void analogues
  • water‑equivalent targets
  • magnetic inclusions
• Quantify sensor sensitivities:
  • sub‑µGal sensitivity (gravity)
  • pT–fT sensitivity (magnetics)
• Characterise:
  • repeatability
  • drift to temperature dependence
  • noise bandwidths
• Collaborate with NPL to obtain traceable metrology validation.

Outputs:

• Calibration curves
• Sensitivity thresholds
• Noise characterisation dataset
• Month 2 laboratory feasibility report

3. Sensor Interpretation & Noise Analysis

Tasks:

• Decompose recorded signals into:
  • true anomaly signatures
  • platform‑induced noise
  • environmental artefacts
  • quantum projection noise
• Work with IMU data to model motion‑induced biases.
• Support AI team by delivering:
  • corrected time‑series
  • noise models
  • uncertainty estimates
• Recommend optimised data‑acquisition protocols for future field deployments:
  • sampling rates
  • cycle times
  • motion constraints

Outputs:

• Sensor noise PSDs
• Transfer function models
• Motion/noise compensation algorithms

4. Integration with AI

Tasks:

• Translate physics constraints into data features.
• Define which anomaly signatures are physically plausible.
• Validate whether AI‑detected anomalies are physically consistent.
• Guide feature engineering:
  • gradients of curvature
  • bandwidth of anomalies
• Assist in fusing gravity & magnetic data into a joint physical interpretation.

Outputs:

• Physics‑constrained ML feature set
• Validation notes for anomaly detections
• Joint gravity–magnetic hazard interpretation

5. Technical Leadership in Hazard Interpretation

Tasks:

• Determine detection thresholds for each hazard type:
  • minimum void size
  • maximum detectable depth
  • water ingress sensitivity
• Build capability envelopes (performance charts).
• Provide scientific assessment of feasibility.

Outputs:

• Sensitivity/detection threshold maps
• Technical content for final feasibility report
• Contributions to transport use case & business case

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Quantum sensing & atomic physics: experience with cold‑atom interferometry, quantum gravimetry, or atomic magnetometry; understanding of Rabi/Raman transitions, laser phase noise, atom optics, magnetic resonance in atomic vapour cells.
• Geophysical modelling: understanding of gravity and magnetic fields in Earth sciences; experience with forward modelling and inversion.
• Laboratory experimental skills: hands‑on experience building or operating optical setups, vacuum systems, laser systems, magnetically shielded environments; ability to design and run controlled physics experiments.
• Signal processing: experience analysing noisy scientific data; familiarity with FFTs, PSD analysis, and filtering.
• Software skills: Python, MATLAB or similar scientific computing tools; experience with modelling libraries (SciPy, NumPy, Fatiando a Terra, QuTiP, COMSOL desirable).
• Communication: ability to explain complex physics to engineers and non‑physicists; strong technical writing for reports and publications.

DESIRABLE SKILLS

• Experience with quantum gravimeters from Exail, Muquans, Atomionics, Aquark, or research prototypes.
• Understanding of geotechnical engineering or subsurface hazards.
• Familiarity with drones, mobile mapping, or rail/road instrumentation.
• Knowledge of Bayesian filtering, Kalman filters, or motion‑compensation methods.
• Prior work in NPL, university quantum labs, or national labs a plus.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Essential: PhD/MSc in Atomic Physics, Quantum Optics, Quantum Sensing, Experimental Physics, or closely related field OR highly relevant industrial/research experience with proof of technical capability.
• Preferred: Postdoctoral or industry experience in quantum sensing or precision metrology.

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