Senior Scientist, Quantum Sensing (Modelling)

Q-CTRL’s Quantum Sensing Research team performs basic and applied research in quantum sensing and quantum-enabled navigation. It is a highly dynamic team comprising approximately 30 specialists in theoretical and experimental atomic physics, cold-atom interferometry, navigation modelling, and modern Bayesian estimation and signal processing techniques.

The Quantum Sensing Research and Quantum Sensing Engineering teams work closely together, translating novel quantum sensing research into a useful capability and product. We are focussed on pushing the boundary of what is possible in quantum sensing and ensuring our R&D has real-world impact.

This role aims to perform essential research and development into next-generation quantum sensors. The role will be working on control solutions, control system development, and classical and quantum sensor fusion algorithms to enhance the performance of real-world quantum sensors using atom-interferometry. This will involve developing novel simulation tools and partnering with experimental physicists to perform data analysis for assessing sensor performance in real-world environments and demonstrating your new methods function.

Additionally, you will contribute to the efficient and effective functioning of Q-CTRL and help us achieve our mission of making quantum technology useful.

• Perform essential research and development into novel quantum control solutions and sensor fusion algorithms to enhance the performance of real-world quantum sensors (including atom interferometers and magnetometers).
• Develop theoretical models and numerical simulation tools suitable for assessing the performance of quantum sensors in real-world environments.
• Analyse sensor performance in realistic environments and apply optimization and machine learning techniques for performance enhancement.
• Work closely with our quantum control engineers, experimental physicists, and sensor hardware specialists to deploy your developed quantum control and sensor fusion protocols on real quantum sensor hardware.
• Collaborate with your colleagues in the Quantum Sensing (Modelling) Team, the Quantum Sensing Division, and the company more broadly.
• Share your insights into control-augmented quantum sensing with the broader Quantum Sensing Division, company, external stakeholders and customers through verbal presentations and written outlets (e.g., academic publications, technical reports, blog posts).
• Other duties within the Employee’s skills and experience, or with reasonable training.

• A PhD in Physics, Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in the theory, numerical modelling, and/or optimization of one or more of the following: Atom interferometry, Cold and/or ultracold atomic systems, Quantum sensing in warm atomic vapours, Pulse-level optimisation and quantum control techniques.
• Strong desire to work with a world‑leading team and a company that is fundamentally building the future of the quantum technology industry.

• Expertise with Python programming language for scientific computing.
• Experience modelling real quantum experiments/hardware and working closely with both theoretical and experimental teams.
• Demonstrated experience in improving experimental outcomes through novel signal processing or denoising algorithms.

Q-CTRL is the global leader in AI-powered quantum control infrastructure software. We build the tools that make quantum technology useful, solving the hardest challenges in quantum computing and quantum sensing to deliver real-world impact.

Founded in 2017, we operate globally with offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berlin, and Oxford. Our teams bring together technical and multi-disciplinary expertise across the product lifecycle, and we’re hiring talent to help scale every part of the business. We work quickly to turn cutting‑edge science into deployable technology.

In 2024 we raised US$113 million in Series B funding, the largest aggregate investment for a quantum software company. Six months later we delivered the first commercial quantum advantage with Ironstone Opal, our field‑validated quantum navigation solution for defense and industry.

At Q-CTRL, we prioritize outcomes over hours. We offer flexibility, equity potential, and competitive benefits that reflect our high‑performance culture. If you’re ready to help shape the future of quantum, we’d love to hear from you!