AMO Physicist

About ORCA Computing

ORCA Computing is a startup with a mission to build the world’s first useful quantum computer. ORCA’s multidisciplinary team of quantum scientists, engineers and mathematicians are combining single photons, optical fibres and off-the-shelf telecoms components to completely change the face of high-performance computing and networking. You will be highly intelligent and well trained in your area; creative and able to solve complex problems. We are relaxed and friendly, but know what it takes to get things done, and are not afraid to challenge each other to achieve the very heights of what is possible.

Job description

We are seeking an excellent Atomic Physicist to work within our technical team, in London, UK, to take the lead on aspects of our experimental development. The ideal candidate should have a PhD in AMO physics or other related field, come with good references and be able to show examples of high skill or talent in this field. We are particularly interested in candidates with prior experience in setting up warm or cold atom, BEC or spectroscopy experiments, or candidates who have built frequency-doubled fibre laser systems from-off the-shelf components.

Benefits

We offer a friendly, collaborative and challenging work environment with benefits including a generous pension plan and holiday allowance. There are significant opportunities for learning and growth at the company with new exciting responsibilities being provided to team members as the company progresses through different rounds of fundraising.

Principal responsibilities

• Take responsibility for bringing experimental projects to a successful completion. These projects may include:
  – Working with universities, suppliers and contractors to develop integrated vapour cells and other components;
  – Building, developing and industrialising novel fibre laser setups;
  – Building novel spectroscopy setups;
  – Investigating and implementing new quantum memory protocols;
  – Engineering projects focused on delivering better performance, reliability ruggedness and/or operability of prototype systems.
• Work with other team members, project manager and finance team to facilitate the smooth running of current and future projects. This may include:
  – Brainstorming new project ideas;
  – Proposal and patent writing;
  – Developing budgets for future work;
  – Developing accurate risk registers;
  – Issue reporting and problem solving;
  – Should the candidate find this interesting, getting involved in the engineering or commercial/business side of new inventions, including developing market cases and investor demonstrations or pitches.

Job requirements

• Based in our laboratories in West London, UK.
• PhD in experimental physics or engineering.
• Good track record of novel and successful problem solving in a research environment.
• Excellent scientific talent demonstrated through a strong publication record and/or references.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effectively working in and managing teams.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, creative and analytical ability.
• Working within a dynamic small-business environment.
• A self-starter who is comfortable managing individual and/or group responsibilities and deadlines.
• Commercial or financial awareness: for example experience of working with industry, managing budgets or leading small teams (desirable).

To apply

To apply, please send a cover letter and a copy of your CV/resume to careers@orcacomputing.com.