Senior Scientist, Quantum Sensing

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 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. This will sometimes include helping out regardless of boundaries of responsibility to 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.
• 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.

• 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.

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- domain. All our active job postings are available on our company website.

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