AMO Physicist Summer Placement

Job Description

Science and Technology Facilities Council Salary: £22,096Hours: Full timeContract Type: Fixed TermLocation: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire The NQCC is the UK’s national centre for quantum computing, dedicated to accelerating its development by addressing the challenges of scaling up the technology. Our vision is to enable the UK to solve some of the most complex and challenging problems facing society by harnessing the potential of quantum computing. The centre is working with businesses, the government, and the research community to deliver quantum computing capabilities for the UK and support the growth of the emerging industry. The NQCC’s programme represents a £93m investment and is being delivered jointly by the research councils, EPSRC and STFC, as part of UK Research and Innovation. The centre is headquartered within STFC’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory site at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire. There is an opportunity to join the NQCC Neutral Atom Quantum Computing (TAQC) team to undertake a 12-week placement during summer 2025. Our team works to support UK development of quantum computing resources based on neutral atoms, developing and deploying robust and re-usable quantum computing platforms to support our technology roadmap, build scalable quantum computing capabilities and make progress against the NQCC technology roadmap. During this summer placement you will work alongside experienced atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) and senior AMO physicists to support the design, construction and benchmarking of an experimental TAQC platform within a lab environment. This studentship role will center on supporting the experimental and theoretical teams to design, build and characterize cutting-edge experimental tweezer array quantum computing hardware in our world-class laboratory facilities, tackling problems that span physics and engineering. During this studentship, you will undertake a 12-week project that will include the opportunity to work across one or more of the following areas: Development / optimization of TAQC hardware modules. Quantum measurement & data analysis. Development / optimization of TAQC control systems. Landscaping / Road mapping for future TAQC development. Automated monitoring & feedback systems. Theoretical projects to benchmark or enhance TAQC performance. This is a fantastic opportunity for students who enjoy working well individually, collaborating with a team, and are interested in quantum science and technology! Summary of Key Duties & Responsibilities: Developing and testing experimental systems. Undertaking proof-of-concept / engineering R&D projects to enhance experimental performance. Producing roadmaps and reports on progress in aspects of TAQC. Analyzing and reporting on commercial TAQC performance. Designing & benchmarking experimental control systems. Implementing automated monitoring and feedback systems. Developing environmental monitoring systems. Communicating progress and discussing results with NQCC scientists. Producing a final report and project presentation. To apply for this placement, we are looking for the following: Essential: You are in full time education at university, and will be returning to university/your studies once the summer placement has concluded. You have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement. A demonstrable interest in quantum science and technology. Experience working in a team, and being able to demonstrate autonomy within their area of responsibility. Good communication skills. Experience in programming (Python preferred, other languages acceptable). Desirable criteria: Conceptual understanding of quantum computing or AMO Physics. Working towards a degree in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Experience in working in a laboratory – in particular with optics, lasers, or high-voltage supplies. How to apply: Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV. #J-18808-Ljbffr