Senior Scientist, Quantum Sensing (Software)

AnaVation LLC; Oxford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading quantum technology firm in Oxford is seeking a Software Developer to enhance quantum sensors through research software development. Candidates must have a PhD and experience with quantum sensing algorithms. The role involves collaboration and high-performance coding, ensuring that innovative quantum solutions are realized in practical applications.

Benefits

Flexibility

Equity potential

Competitive benefits

Qualifications

• Strong desire to work at a leading quantum technology company.
• Experience in optimization of atom interferometry and quantum control techniques.
• Expertise in scientific computing can be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-performance software for quantum sensors.
• Collaborate with engineers and physicists for real-world applications.
• Share developments through various channels including academic publications.

Skills

Quantum sensing algorithms

Software development

Collaboration with scientists

Education

PhD in Physics, Engineering or related discipline

Tools

C++

Python

Job description

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

This role aims to perform essential software development to support Q-CTRL’s quantum sensors taking them from the laboratory to the field. This position will primarily be focussed on research software development, helping to turn Q-CTRL’s algorithms into high-performance and reliable code that can be used by our team of scientists and engineers.

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:

• Perform essential research software development to support the transition of novel quantum control solutions and sensor fusion algorithms to real-world quantum sensors (including atom interferometers and magnetometers).
• Develop and provide support of high-performance and reliable software packages that can be used by Q-CTRL’s scientists and engineers.
• Ensure research software is well documented and tested for both physical and functional correctness.
• Work closely with our quantum control engineers, experimental physicists, and sensor hardware specialists to deploy your developed quantum control and sensor fusion protocols on real quantum sensor hardware.
• Collaborate with your colleagues in the Quantum Sensing (Modelling) Team, the Quantum Sensing Division, and the company more broadly.
• Share your developments and tools 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 in Physics, Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in the theory, numerical modelling, and/or optimization of one or more of the following: Atom interferometry, Cold and/or ultracold atomic systems, Quantum sensing in warm atomic vapours, Pulse-level optimisation and quantum control techniques.
• Finally, you will have a strong desire to work with a world leading team and a company that is fundamentally building the future of the quantum technology industry.

Bonus points if you have (but not essential):

• Expertise with C++, C, and/or Python programming language for scientific computing.
• Experience modelling real quantum experiments/hardware and working closely with both theoretical and experimental teams.
• Experience with continuous integration systems and best practices for software development.
• Developed high-performance and reliable scientific software packages

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.