Quantum Systems Scientist

Quantum Technologies; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leader in quantum innovation in the UK is seeking a Quantum Systems Scientist to ensure continuous operation and performance of quantum systems. The ideal candidate will have a PhD, experience in designing complex cold-atom systems, and strong programming skills. This role offers a competitive salary, stock options, and opportunities to work with industry leaders in a flexible environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary with stock options

Annual performance bonus

Generous annual leave

Private medical and dental insurance

Flexible hybrid working

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in complex cold-atom experiments.
• Background in hardware-focused experimental physics.
• Experience with free-space optics.

Responsibilities

• Ensure continuous operation and performance of quantum systems.
• Maximize system uptime through diagnostics and collaboration.
• Lead downtime analysis and implement engineering fixes.
• Improve system maintenance and documentation.
• Design future systems with reliability in mind.

Skills

Designing complex cold-atom systems

Collaborative problem solving

Strong communication skills

Automation and monitoring of lab systems

Programming in Python or ARTIQ

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Tools

Optical clocks

Ion traps

Job description

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.

What to expect:

We are searching for a Quantum Systems Scientist to join our Systems 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 responsiblefor:

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.
• Programming experience in Python or ARTIQ.
• Experience automating and monitoring lab systems.
• Potential to grow into a leadership role as the team scales.

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.

How to apply

Please apply directly via our website.

Oxford Ionics