Be at the heart of actionFly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.

Apply Now

Senior Scientist, Quantum Sensing (Software)

Q-CTRL
Oxford
3 days ago
Create job alert
Senior Scientist, Quantum Sensing (Software)

Join to apply for the Senior Scientist, Quantum Sensing (Software) role at Q-CTRL.


About The Team

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.


About The Role

This role aims to perform essential software development to support Q-CTRL’s quantum sensors taking them from the laboratory to the field. The position will primarily focus on research software development, helping to turn Q-CTRL’s algorithms into high-performance, reliable code that can be used by our team of scientists and engineers.


What You'll Be Doing

  • Perform essential research software development to support the transition of novel quantum control solutions and sensor fusion algorithms to real-world quantum sensors (including atom interferometers and magnetometers).
  • Develop and provide support for high-performance and reliable software packages that can be used by Q-CTRL’s scientists and engineers.
  • Ensure research software is well documented and tested for both physical and functional correctness.
  • Work closely with quantum control engineers, experimental physicists, and sensor hardware specialists to deploy your developed protocols on real quantum sensor hardware.
  • Collaborate with partners in the Quantum Sensing (Modelling) Team, the Quantum Sensing Division, and the company more broadly.
  • Share developments and tools with the broader division, company, external stakeholders and customers through verbal presentations and written outlets (e.g. academic publications, technical reports, blog posts).

Ideal Qualifications

  • 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 optimization and quantum control techniques.
  • Strong desire to work with a world-leading team building the future of quantum technology.

Bonus Points (Not Essential)

  • Expertise with C++, C, and/or Python programming for scientific computing.
  • Experience modelling real quantum experiments/hardware and working closely with both theoretical and experimental teams.
  • Experience with continuous integration systems and best practices for software development.
  • Experienced in developing high-performance, reliable scientific software packages.

About Q-CTRL

Q-CTRL is the global leader in AI-powered quantum control infrastructure software. Founded in 2017, we operate globally with offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berlin, and Oxford. We build tools that make quantum technology useful, solving the hardest challenges in quantum computing and quantum sensing to deliver real-world impact. In 2024 we raised US$113 million in Series B funding, the largest aggregate investment for a quantum software company.


EEO Statement

Q-CTRL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.


#J-18808-Ljbffr

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Senior Scientist, Quantum Sensing (Modelling)

Senior Scientist, Quantum Sensing (Magnetometry Control)

Senior Scientist, Quantum Sensing (Software)

Senior Applied Modelling Scientist, Quantum Sensing

Quantum Innovation Sector Lead

Quantum Innovation Sector Lead

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.

Quantum Computing Recruitment Trends 2025 (UK): What Job Seekers Need To Know About Today’s Hiring Process

Summary: UK quantum computing hiring has shifted from credential‑first screening to capability‑driven evaluation. Employers now value provable contributions across the stack—algorithms & applications, compilation & optimisation, circuit synthesis, control & calibration, hardware characterisation, error mitigation/correction (QEM/QEC), verification/benchmarking, and hybrid HPC/quantum workflows—plus the ability to communicate trade‑offs, costs and feasibility to non‑quantum teams. This guide explains what’s changed, what to expect in interviews and how to prepare—especially for quantum algorithm engineers, quantum software/compilers, experimentalists, quantum control & firmware, cryo/readout engineers, quantum error correction researchers, verification/benchmarking specialists, and quantum‑adjacent product managers. Who this is for: Quantum algorithm/applications engineers, compiler/optimisation engineers, control/firmware engineers, experimental physicists & hardware engineers (superconducting, trapped ion, photonic, spin/neutral atom), cryogenics & RF/microwave, QEC researchers, verification/benchmarking specialists, quantum‑HPC orchestration engineers, and product/BD roles in the UK quantum ecosystem.

Why Quantum Computing Careers in the UK Are Becoming More Multidisciplinary

Quantum computing has long been considered an elite subfield of physics and computer science. But as quantum technologies advance—from fault-tolerant hardware to quantum algorithms and quantum cryptography—they’re moving closer to real applications in finance, materials simulation, optimisation, cryptography and more. As this transition happens, UK quantum computing careers are becoming increasingly multidisciplinary. Quantum systems are no longer just the domain of physicists and quantum software engineers. If quantum technologies are to be trusted, adopted and regulated, professionals must also incorporate expertise in law, ethics, psychology, linguistics & design. In practice, quantum computing projects now intersect with data governance, risk, human interaction, explainability and communication. In this article, we’ll explore why quantum computing careers in the UK are shifting to multidisciplinary roles, how these five supporting fields intersect with quantum work, and what job-seekers & employers should do to keep up in this evolving frontier.

Quantum Computing Team Structures Explained: Who Does What in a Modern Quantum Department

Quantum computing has shifted from lab curiosity to the next frontier of high-impact computing. Across the UK, universities, national labs, start-ups, and established tech and finance firms are building quantum teams to explore algorithms, design hardware, and deliver quantum-ready software. As momentum grows, so does the need for clear, robust team structures. Because quantum R&D spans physics, engineering, computer science, and product, ambiguity about who does what can slow progress, increase risk, and inflate costs. This guide maps the typical roles in a modern quantum computing department, how they collaborate across the research-to-product lifecycle, skills and backgrounds UK employers expect, indicative salary ranges, common pitfalls, and practical ways to structure teams that move fast without breaking science.