Senior Scientist, Quantum Sensing (Atom Interferometry)

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. We are focussed on pushing the boundary of what is possible in quantum sensing and ensuring our R&D has real-world impact.

About the role

This role will provide critical technical leadership for experimental science work on Q-CTRL’s atom-interferometry based quantum sensors. This position will be focussed on reducing scientific risk across a broad range of novel techniques that aim to improve state-of-the art quantum sensor performance.

Additionally, you will contribute to the efficient and effective functioning of Q-CTRL. This will sometimes include helping out regardless of boundaries of responsibility to help us achieve our mission of making quantum technology useful.

• You will be part of an established and growing team focused on quantum sensing for a variety of industry sectors such as Aerospace, Defence, geophysical exploration and Earth observation.
• Work closely with our experimental physicists, quantum control engineers, and sensor hardware specialists to implement quantum control protocols on real quantum sensor hardware.
• Assisting with development, operation and analysis of next-generation atom interferometer based quantum sensors to achieve maximum sensitivity and robustness for various applications.
• Work with the Quantum Sensing Engineering teams to reduce SWaP and increase ruggedness of lab-based systems used to operate next generation quantum sensors and prepare them for fielded environments.
• Collaborate with your colleagues in the Quantum Sensing Research Division, the Quantum Sensing Engineering 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.
• Experimental experience developing and operating cold-atom interferometry hardware.
• Knowledge of handling systematics and optimal signal extraction from atom interferometers.
• Experience in quantum sensor operation, automation and data fusion.
• Finally, you will have a strong desire to work with a world leading team and a company that is fundamentally building the future of the quantum technology industry.

• Experience operating atom interferometers outside of laboratory environments in transportable or mobile configurations.
• An understanding of dominant performance limits in fieldable systems.
• Expertise with Python programming language for scientific computing.

About Q-CTRL

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!

Please be advised that our communications will only come from the @q-ctrl.com domain. All our active job postings are available on our company website.

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