Graduate Trapped Ion Physicist - NQCC

Apply by 19/10/2025 here.

Job Description

Salary: £35,049 per annum + £1,000 welcome bonus
Contract Type: Permanent 
Hours: Full-time
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX
Closing date: 19th October 2025 
Assessment Centre: December 2025 / January 2026
Start date: September 2026

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.

Headquartered at STFC’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory site at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, the centre is working with businesses, government, and the research community to deliver quantum computing capabilities for the UK and support the growth of the emerging industry.

The NQCC’s Trapped Ions Quantum Computing Team is on the lookout for a graduate to work with scientists and support our development of quantum computing hardware.

Your skills will be developed and be supported by an encouraging team working towards the NQCC’s goals of delivering scalable quantum computing capabilities. This will include the opportunity to work across one or more of the following elements:

• Hands-on development (laser systems, cryogenic systems, vacuum systems, electronics)
• Measurements and data analysis
• Software for experimental control
• Horizon scoping and planning

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working individually and as part of a team especially if you are interested in quantum science and technology!

Graduate Scheme  

The STFC Graduate scheme will give you the opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion early in your journey with us, supported by technical training and a broader programme of career support and training and development. 

Our dedicated Graduate Development Team will provide the right combination of challenge and support throughout, helping you achieve your ambitions. We know that professional recognition is also important to you too, so we will provide mentoring and expertise to help you achieve valued qualifications or chartered status in your chosen field.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, development, assembly, and optimisation of ion trap quantum computing systems
• Contributing to software and experimental control systems
• Communicating progress and discussing results with NQCC scientists
• Representing the NQCC at STFC and external events with commercial and academic partners and collaborators

Person Specification

To apply for the role, we are looking for the following:

Essential:

• Achieved, or be on course to achieve, a minimum 2:1 degree in a relevant field of study (S)
• Have the right to live and work in the UK at tthe ime of starting employment (S)
• A demonstrable interest in quantum science and technology (S&I)
• Experience in working in a laboratory – in particular with optics, lasers, or vacuum systems (S&I)
• Good communication skills (S&I)
• Experience working in a team, and able to demonstrate autonomy within their area of responsibility (S&I)
• Experience in programming in Python (or similar languages) – in particular for experimental control (S&I)

Desirable:

• Technical knowledge in quantum computing (S&I)

Employee Benefits

We are offering a permanent position with a whole host of benefits, including:

• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
• Flexible working hours.
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/

As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status, we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At the interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y

Application Guidance

Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate.

Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based on how you meet each essential criterion stated in this advert.

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received. 

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe’s largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what’s possible!