Research Fellow in Quantum Technologies

Falmer, South East England, United Kingdom
Yesterday
£38 – £46 pa

Salary

£38 – £46 pa

Job Type
Contract
Work Pattern
Full-time
Work Location
On-site
Education
Phd
Visa Sponsorship
Available
Posted
21 Apr 2026 (Yesterday)

Benefits

Pension Equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives

About the role

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA), you will design, build, validate and test optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) for use in sleep neurophysiology. Working within the Quantum Systems and Devices research group (QSD), you will take a lead role in adapting our modular OPM platform for volunteer sleep studies, including optimising sensor configuration and mounting for recordings while participants are lying down, characterising performance (noise and bandwidth), and delivering robust experimental protocols. You will work closely with colleagues at Sussex and collaborate with partners in sleep neuroscience. You will be embedded within the QSD OPM team and work day-to-day with other PDRAs, an electronic engineer and software developer, ensuring the sensor hardware, control electronics and analysis tools are developed and tested as an integrated system.

This role combines hands-on experimental physics and engineering with applied biomedical measurement.

About you

Ideally, you will have a PhD in experimental quantum physics, with a strong track record of hands-on laboratory work. Experience with optically pumped magnetometers or closely related atomic/optical instrumentation is highly desirable. You will be confident working across hardware and software, able to plan and deliver experiments independently, and comfortable documenting methods and results to a high standard.

You will communicate clearly within a multidisciplinary team and with external collaborators, and you will work effectively alongside other PDRAs, an electronic engineer and software developers to deliver an integrated measurement system.

About our School

Please find further information regarding the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences is proud to hold a Bronze Athena Swan Award.

Why work here

Find out more about our reward and benefits package.

Find out about our equality, diversity and inclusion.

Further Key Information

Please contact Dr Fedja Orucevic () for informal enquiries.

The University is committed to equality and valuing diversity, and applications are particularly welcomed from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM) at Sussex.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Eligibility

Visa Sponsorship Queries: This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code and meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker Sponsorship if full time and appointed at Grade 7.4. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page for further information about Visa Sponsorship.

Please note that this position may be subject to ATAS clearance if you require visa sponsorship.

The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK.

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Senior Technical Program Manager - 769

Quantinuum London, United Kingdom

Visiting Fellow

Phasecraft Bristol, United Kingdom
Hybrid

Deployment Physicist, On-premises Installation - 572

Quantinuum United Kingdom
Hybrid

Deployment Physicist, On-premises Installation - 572

Quantinuum United States
US$175,000 – US$210,000 pa

Deployment Physicist, Global On-premises Installation - 572

Quantinuum Japan

Deployment Physicist, Global On-premises Installation - 572

Quantinuum Singapore

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Where to Advertise Quantum Computing Jobs in the UK (2026 Guide)

Advertising quantum computing jobs in the UK requires a fundamentally different approach to most technical hiring. The global talent pool is tiny — measured in thousands, not tens of thousands — and concentrated around a small number of university physics departments, national laboratories and well-funded hardware startups. Many of the strongest candidates hold PhDs in quantum physics, quantum information or adjacent disciplines and are embedded in academic or research communities that rarely intersect with mainstream job boards. General platforms are largely ineffective for quantum hiring. Specialist boards, academic channels and direct community outreach are not optional extras — they are the primary sourcing strategy. This guide, published by QuantumComputingJobs.co.uk, covers where to advertise quantum computing roles in the UK in 2026, how the main platforms compare, what employers should expect to pay, and what the data says about hiring across different role types.

New Quantum Computing Employers to Watch in 2026: UK and International Companies Advancing Quantum Careers

Quantum computing is no longer confined to research labs. As companies convert quantum theory into testable products, algorithms, and computing platforms, demand for professionals with quantum knowledge — whether physics, algorithms, software development, or hardware engineering — is rising. In 2026, quantum computing organisations are securing significant funding, industry partnerships, and contracts across sectors such as energy, finance, telecommunications, defence, and healthcare. For candidates exploring opportunities on www.QuantumComputingJobs.co.uk , understanding which employers are hiring now and scaling quantum teams is crucial. This article profiles the new and high‑growth quantum computing employers to watch in 2026, with a specific focus on UK‑based innovators, international firms with UK operations, and leading global quantum organisations.

How Many Quantum Computing Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Quantum Computing Job?

Quantum computing is one of the most exciting frontiers in science and technology — and the job market reflects that excitement. But for aspiring practitioners, the sheer number of tools, frameworks, programming languages and hardware platforms can feel overwhelming. One job advert mentions Qiskit, another talks about Cirq or Pennylane. You see references to quantum annealers and superconducting qubits, to measurement hardware and simulators, to noise mitigation libraries and cloud platforms. It’s easy to conclude that unless you master every quantum tool, you’ll never get a job. Here’s the honest truth most quantum computing hiring managers won’t explicitly tell you: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real problems and explain why your solutions work. Tools matter, but context, understanding, judgement and results matter more. So how many quantum computing tools do you actually need to know to succeed in a job search? The real answer is significantly fewer than most people assume — and far more focused by role. This article breaks down what tools really matter in quantum jobs, which ones are core, which are role-specific, and how you can build a coherent toolkit that employers actually value.