Quantum Physicist (PhD/MSc with Experience Only)
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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 potential for 18‑month extension)
Start: January 2026
Salary: Competitive / negotiable
Organisation: Entergaia Technologies – Quantum Sensing & Subsurface Intelligence
Key Responsibilities
Physics Modelling & Simulation
- Develop forward models for quantum gravimeter response to voids, sinkholes and water ingress, and 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 and gravity‑gradient / magnetic‑gradient effects.
- Work closely with the AI Specialist to verify the realism of simulated signatures.
Laboratory Calibration & Controlled Experiments
- 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, void analogues, water‑equivalent targets, magnetic inclusions).
- Quantify sensor sensitivities: sub‑µGal (gravity) and pT‑fT (magnetics).
- Characterise repeatability, drift, temperature dependence and noise bandwidths.
- Collaborate with NPL to obtain traceable metrology validation.
Sensor Interpretation & Noise Analysis
- Decompose recorded signals into true anomaly signatures, platform‑induced noise, environmental artefacts and quantum projection noise.
- Model motion‑induced biases using IMU data.
- Support the AI team by delivering corrected time series, noise models and uncertainty estimates.
- Recommend optimised data‑acquisition protocols for future field deployments.
Integration with AI
- Translate physics constraints into data features.
- Define physically plausible anomaly signatures.
- Validate AI‑detected anomalies for physical consistency.
- Guide feature engineering (gradients, curvature, bandwidth of anomalies).
- Assist in fusing gravity & magnetic data into a joint physical interpretation.
Technical Leadership in Hazard Interpretation
- 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.
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; forward modelling and inversion experience.
- Laboratory Experimental Skills – hands‑on experience building or operating optical setups, vacuum systems, laser systems, magnetically shielded environments; design and run controlled physics experiments.
- Signal Processing – analysing noisy scientific data; FFTs, PSD analysis and filtering.
- Software Skills – Python, MATLAB, or similar scientific computing tools; modelling libraries such as SciPy, NumPy, Fatiando a Terra, QuTiP, COMSOL (desirable).
- Communication – 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.
Qualifications
- PhD or 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.
- Post‑doctoral or industry experience in quantum sensing or precision metrology (preferred).
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