Quantum Physicist (PhD/MSc with Experience Only

Quantum Physicist (PhD/MSc with Experience Only)

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This role is for a Quantum Physicist (PhD/MSc) with expertise in quantum sensing, geophysical modelling, and laboratory experiments. The contract is for 3 months, remote in the UK, with a competitive pay rate. Essential skills include Python and signal processing.

Location: UK (Remote)

Contract: 3 months (with potential for 18 month extension)

Start: January 2026

Salary: Competitive / negotiable

Organisation: Entergaia Technologies - Quantum Sensing & Subsurface Intelligence

Key Responsibilities

Physics Modelling & Simulation

• Develop forward models for quantum gravimeter response to voids, sinkholes and water ingress, and quantum magnetometer response to ferrous and geological structures.
• Implement analytical or numerical models for mass density contrasts, gravitational fields and gradients, magnetic susceptibility contrasts.
• Create realistic, physics accurate synthetic datasets for AI training.
• Model the sensor's transfer function, including vibration coupling, laser phase noise, interferometer stability and gravity gradient / magnetic gradient effects.
• Work closely with the AI Specialist to verify the realism of simulated signatures.

Laboratory Calibration & Controlled Experiments

• Prepare and configure the quantum sensor testbed (atom interferometer alignment, optical system stability, magnetometer sensitivity optimisation, vibration isolation and environmental control).
• Run controlled experiments with known reference anomalies (known masses, void analogues, water equivalent targets, magnetic inclusions).
• Quantify sensor sensitivities: sub µGal (gravity) and pT fT (magnetics).
• Characterise repeatability, drift, temperature dependence and noise bandwidths.
• Collaborate with NPL to obtain traceable metrology validation.

Sensor Interpretation & Noise Analysis

• Decompose recorded signals into true anomaly signatures, platform induced noise, environmental artefacts and quantum projection noise.
• Model motion induced biases using IMU data.
• Support the AI team by delivering corrected time series, noise models and uncertainty estimates.
• Recommend optimised data acquisition protocols for future field deployments.

Integration with AI

• Translate physics constraints into data features.
• Define physically plausible anomaly signatures.
• Validate AI detected anomalies for physical consistency.
• Guide feature engineering (gradients, curvature, bandwidth of anomalies).
• Assist in fusing gravity & magnetic data into a joint physical interpretation.

Technical Leadership in Hazard Interpretation

• Determine detection thresholds for each hazard type (minimum void size, maximum detectable depth, water ingress sensitivity).
• Build capability envelopes (performance charts).
• Provide scientific assessment of feasibility.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Quantum Sensing & Atomic Physics - experience with cold atom interferometry, quantum gravimetry, or atomic magnetometry; understanding of Rabi/Raman transitions, laser phase noise, atom optics, magnetic resonance in atomic vapour cells.
• Geophysical Modelling - understanding of gravity and magnetic fields in Earth sciences; forward modelling and inversion experience.
• Laboratory Experimental Skills - hands on experience building or operating optical setups, vacuum systems, laser systems, magnetically shielded environments; design and run controlled physics experiments.
• Signal Processing - analysing noisy scientific data; FFTs, PSD analysis and filtering.
• Software Skills - Python, MATLAB, or similar scientific computing tools; modelling libraries such as SciPy, NumPy, Fatiando a Terra, QuTiP, COMSOL (desirable).
• Communication - explain complex physics to engineers and non physicists; strong technical writing for reports and publications.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with quantum gravimeters from Exail, Muquans, Atomionics, Aquark, or research prototypes.
• Understanding of geotechnical engineering or subsurface hazards.
• Familiarity with drones, mobile mapping, or rail/road instrumentation.
• Knowledge of Bayesian filtering, Kalman filters, or motion compensation methods.
• Prior work in NPL, university quantum labs, or national labs.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Atomic Physics, Quantum Optics, Quantum Sensing, Experimental Physics or closely related field, OR highly relevant industrial/research experience with proof of technical capability.
• Post doctoral or industry experience in quantum sensing or precision metrology (preferred).