Senior Quantum Scientist - Boulder

Oxford Ionics
Boulder
7 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Senior Quantum Systems Architect - UK-064

Lead Quantum Error Correction Researcher

Senior QPU Evaluation Scientist - UK-007

Senior DevOps Engineer - UK-029

Senior Technical Project Manager, Software - UK-075

Senior Research Engineer

Quantum is now, and it's built here.

Oxford Ionics, now part of IonQ, is pioneering the next generation of quantum computing. Using our world-leading trapped-ion technology, we’re building the most powerful, accurate and reliable quantum systems to tackle problems that today’s supercomputers cannot solve.

Joining Oxford Ionics means becoming part of a global IonQ team that is transforming the future of quantum technology - faster, at scale, and with real world impact.

What to expect:

As a Senior Quantum Scientist, you will be at the forefront of our research and development, taking a leading role in both experimental design and the architecture of future generations of hardware. You will be responsible for driving innovation in coherent control, calibration, and benchmarking at scale, with a particular focus on enabling ultra-low error rates and system reliability across larger trapped-ion devices. Beyond hands-on experiments, you will help shape technical direction, mentor junior scientists, and ensure our work translates into scalable, fault-tolerant systems.

What you’ll be responsible for: 

  • Leading the prototyping and characterisation of advanced coherent control schemes for trapped-ion qubits using laser and microwave fields.
  • Driving system-level benchmarking and optimisation, ensuring near-term devices achieve world-leading performance and stability.
  • Validating and integrating new trap technologies (e.g. on-chip electronics or photonics) to support scaling towards error-corrected architectures.
  • Guiding junior scientists in experimental design, analysis, and presentation of results, while representing Oxford Ionics at external collaborations and conferences.

Requirements

You will need a PhD in physics or a closely related discipline, with a strong foundation in atomic or qubit-related physics and typically four or more years of post PhD experience in quantum control, either in academia or industry. Alongside deep technical expertise, you should be able to work independently, lead projects, and collaborate effectively within a small, fast-paced team.

You will need:

  • Proven expertise in experimental ion-trapping physics, ideally with a focus on quantum information processing and strong programming skills.
  • Hands-on experience in spectroscopy, calibration, benchmarking of qubit systems, and debugging complex experimental setups.
  • Strong proficiency with control software, hardware integration and data analysis.
  • A track record of effective collaboration across teams and clear communication of complex scientific results through publications, talks, or conferences.

Benefits

Be part of a team that’s shaping the future of quantum. We offer more than just a role, you’ll join a world class community of scientists, engineers and innovators working to unlock the full potential of quantum computing.

We offer a range of benefits, including opportunities to further your career alongside industry leaders, a competitive salary with IonQ stock options, an annual performance bonus, generous annual leave, flexible hybrid 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.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Salary Range

$145,000-$175,000 DOE

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.

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.