Senior Optical Scientist

Oxford Ionics
Oxford
9 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Quantum Physicist (PhD/MSc with Experience Only

Senior Optical Engineer: Quantum Photonics & Metasurfaces

Senior Photonic Packaging Engineer - Fibre Optic

Senior Principal III-V Photonics Engineer

Senior Principal III-V Photonics Engineer

Senior Principal III-V Photonics Engineer

The future is quantum. Oxford Ionics is at the forefront of pioneering quantum computing, delivering world-leading innovation to create the most powerful, accurate, and reliable quantum systems. Quantum computing offers a radically new way of building computers that harnesses the power of quantum physics to outperform conventional supercomputers exponentially. Using our unique trapped-ion technology, we are leading the race to unleash quantum computing's unparalleled potential.

What to expect:

We are building the world���s highest-performing quantum computers, integrating cutting-edge technologies across optics and electronics into chip-scale devices. As a Senior Optical Scientist, you will play a key role in advancing optical imaging techniques to optimise the performance and scalability of our technology.

What you’ll be responsible for:

You will lead the design, development and implementation of high-precision optical imaging systems for trapped-ion quantum computing. Your work will be integral to ensuring high performance optical solutions across our quantum computing platforms. Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading ion imaging:Lead the design, assembly, and testing of imaging systems for quantum hardware, ensuring optimal performance and alignment with system requirements.
  • Architecting optical readout:Evaluate the feasibility of different imaging solutions and drive the decision-making process for the best approach to various chips.
  • Defining system specifications:Collaborate with teams of expert engineers and scientists to establish and refine imaging system specifications.
  • Ensuring seamless system integration:Work closely with quantum hardware engineers to integrate imaging solutions into the overall system architecture, with a particular focus on managing stray scatter
  • Troubleshooting and optimisation:Identify and mitigate aberrations, background noise, and other optical challenges as they arise.
  • Managing external collaborations:Oversee outsourcing of custom optical and opto-mechanical component fabrication and assembly.

Requirements

You will need expertise in optical system design, with a strong background in developing and analysing hybrid optical systems, including geometric, fibre, photonic integrated circuits and meta-optics. Your ability to design, evaluate and refine these systems will be critical to ensuring high performance integration with our quantum hardware.

Hands-on experience with simulation, fabrication and validation will be essential. You should be comfortable using commercial tools for optical modelling, managing the outsourcing and fabrication of custom optical components and implementing rigorous test plans to validate system performance.

Collaboration will be a key part of the role, requiring you to work closely with physicists and engineers to define system requirements and seamlessly integrate optical technologies. If you thrive in a multidisciplinary environment and are passionate about advancing optical science in quantum computing, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits

Oxford Ionics is leading the way in quantum technology, and we need skilled, innovative individuals like you. We offer a range of benefits, including opportunities to further your career with a world-class team, business stock options, generous annual leave, flexible 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. 

Oxford Ionics is committed to equal opportunity for all.

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.

Maths for Quantum Jobs: The Only Topics You Actually Need (& How to Learn Them) Linear algebra essentials, probability, complex numbers, basic optimisation.

If you are a software engineer, data scientist or ML engineer looking to move into quantum computing or you are a UK undergraduate or postgraduate in physics, maths, computer science or engineering applying for quantum roles, the maths can feel like the biggest barrier. Job descriptions often say “strong maths” but rarely spell out what that means in practice. The good news is you do not need a full maths degree’s worth of theory to start applying. For most graduate & early-career roles in quantum software, quantum research engineering & quantum algorithms, the maths you actually use again & again is concentrated in four areas: linear algebra, probability, complex numbers & basic optimisation. This guide turns vague requirements into a clear, job-focused checklist. You will learn what to focus on, what to leave for later & how to build small portfolio outputs that prove you can translate the maths into working code.

Neurodiversity in Quantum Computing Careers: Turning Different Thinking into a Superpower

Quantum computing is one of the most demanding – & exciting – areas in technology. It sits at the intersection of physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering & even philosophy. The problems are complex, the systems are fragile, & the answers are rarely obvious. That’s exactly why quantum needs people who think differently. If you live with ADHD, autism or dyslexia, you may have been told your brain is “too distracted”, “too literal” or “too chaotic” for high-end research or deep technical roles. In reality, many of the traits that made school or traditional workplaces difficult can be huge strengths in quantum computing – from intense focus on niche topics to pattern recognition in noisy data & creative approaches to algorithms. This guide is for neurodivergent job seekers exploring quantum computing careers in the UK. We’ll look at: What neurodiversity means in a quantum computing context How ADHD, autism & dyslexia strengths map onto common quantum roles Practical workplace adjustments you can ask for under UK law How to talk about your neurodivergence in applications & interviews By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of where you might thrive in quantum computing – & how to turn “different thinking” into a genuine superpower.

Quantum Computing Hiring Trends 2026: What to Watch Out For (For Job Seekers & Recruiters)

As we move into 2026, the quantum computing jobs market in the UK is shifting from hype to harder-edged reality. The wildest forecasts have softened, some early-stage start-ups have pivoted or been acquired, and investors are more selective. At the same time, governments, big tech, defence, finance and pharma still see quantum as strategically important – especially in algorithms, quantum-safe cryptography, optimisation and materials simulation. The result: fewer “blue-sky” roles with no clear roadmap, and more demand for quantum talent that can plug into real programmes, real products and real timelines. Whether you’re a quantum job seeker planning your next move, or a recruiter building teams across hardware, software, theory or adjacent fields, understanding the key quantum computing hiring trends for 2026 will help you stay ahead.