Higher Scientist

Higher Scientist – Ion trapping

Help Build the UK’s Next‑Generation Quantum Computing capabilities

Join the team shaping the future of quantum technologies and quantum computing. We’re seeking an experienced scientist to join the Quantum Technology department. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to research with national impact at the frontier of quantum photonic, ion microtrap and quantum-secured technologies, helping to develop the next generation of quantum computing and precision experimental platforms.

You will be joining the group at an exciting time, as we develop and grow NPL’s proprietary ion trapping technology as one of UK’s leading technologies for quantum computing and networking. You will be part of an ambitious programme uniting world‑class teams across NPL, academia and industry.

The role will support laboratory work in ion microtrap technologies, developing these for quantum computing applications and as nodes for quantum networks, setting the foundations for future quantum computing and quantum internet.

This permanent position offers the opportunity to work hands‑on with state‑of‑the‑art systems, develop bespoke instrumentation, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams leading innovation across the global quantum ecosystem. You will be involved in experimental work driving the ion microtrap technology towards quantum applications, using techniques in pulsed laser-atom interactions, atomic spectroscopy, coherent control of atomic systems, and single-photon detection and analysis.

We collaborate with leading researchers across the UK, international academia, industry and national laboratories. You will have opportunities to publish in high‑impact journals and present your work at major international conferences.

You will join the team at an exciting time as we pursue applications of NPL’s microtrap devices in current and future quantum technologies. The role will evolve with the field, offering strong opportunities for career progression.

Key responsibilities (depending on experience and project needs):

• Develop pulsed laser excitation source using commercial products and bespoke components
• Design and implement experimental instrumentation and methods to characterise photonic quantum states, including time-correlated photon detection
• Conduct detailed experimental investigations to verify performance of these systems, to demonstrate their fitness for purpose
• Integrate these systems into a wider ion trapping apparatus (including its control systems) ready for use towards overall project aims
• Advance experimental hardware through developing custom instrumentation
• Develop hardware control systems and data‑analysis software
• Perform analytical and numerical data analysis
• Work collaboratively with the project team to achieve key technical deliverables.
• Collaborate with researchers, engineers, academic partners and industry
• Publish results in high‑impact journals and present at international conferences
• Contribute to proposals for future work, including identifying promising R&D directions of relevance to UK quantum industry.
• Contribute to the commercial exploitation of the NPL’s ion trap technology.
• Represent NPL within the UK and international quantum community

To be successful in this role, you will have the following skills, experience, and qualifications:

Essential:

• Operation of solid-state pulsed laser systems and nonlinear frequency conversion in the context of light-matter interactions
• Use of instrumentation to characterise pulsed laser light (autocorrelator, optical spectrum analyser)
• Time-correlated photon counting for detection and analysis of photonic quantum states
• Design of opto-mechanical systems using CAD
• Design construction and test of fibre and free space photonic systems
• Construction and test of radiofrequency systems for controlling photonic modulators
• Development of instrumentation control software (application to Artiq hardware is advantageous)
• Detailed record keeping, including hardware designs, software developments, data, and data analysis.
• Composition of manuscripts for publication
• Presentation of results to external audiences (e.g. academia, industry, government)

Desirable:

• PhD/Post-doctoral experience in a relevant field
• Experience collaborating with industry, academia or national labs
• Experience of working in collaborative, multidisciplinary research
• General experience in laser cooling, atomic spectroscopy, ion trapping.
• Frequency stabilisation of continuous-wave lasers
• Fitting theoretical models to experimental data; knowledge of statistics and data fitting methods
• Track record of publications, funding and/or commercial impact in a relevant scientific area

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

This is a full-time on-site role.

Please note:  Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward.  We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. 

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. 

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.

 We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. 

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.