Materials Scientist

Oxford Quantum Circuits – Reading, Borough of Reading

We have an exciting opportunity for someone with an excellent background in metrology and materials characterisation to contribute to the development and improvement of our bleeding edge Quantum computing systems. Working within our friendly and supportive Material Science and Device Engineering team, you will have the opportunity to carry out research and present your findings as well as seeing the practical applications of your work have a real impact on our unique, enterprise ready quantum computers.

Remuneration

• Salary: £50-60k per annum
• Private medical insurance
• Group life and group income protection
• Gym and wellness benefits
• EAP cash plan
• Cycle to work scheme
• 25 days holiday
• Pension
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

About the Role

The Materials Scientist role sits within our Material Science and Device Engineering team. The purpose of the role is to apply your deep understanding of your field to guide improvements to our choice of materials and techniques as well as our nanofabrication processing. This role has the potential to have a great impact on OQC’s technological advances as the Material Scientist’s research will contribute directly to improving the production of our Quantum Processing units as well as supporting the work of our wider Quantum teams.

Key responsibilities of this role include:

• Investigation of superconducting devices through materials characterisation and metrology methods.
• Investigation and improvement of limiting factors to qubit coherence and fabrication precision.
• Investigation and implementation of new methods to understand the limiting parameters of superconducting films/devices.
• Creation and maintenance of process documentation, project plans and reports
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in material science and technology
• Representing OQC in scientific settings such as conferences, as part of collaborative consortia, etc.

Required Skills + Experience

• PhD (or MSc + significant related experience) in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry or related discipline
• Specialised experience with a range of material characterisation techniques such as XPS, SIMS, Auger, EELS, Raman spectroscopy, ellipsometry, RBS, SEM, FIB, TEM, EDX, XRD, AFM, etc
• Significant experience of programmatic data analysis in Python or similar
• Knowledge and understanding of nanofabrication processing
• Excellent verbal and written communication, and reasoning skills
• Great problem solving skills and meticulous attention to details
• Team player
• Capability and eagerness to learn independently about new subject area(s) and underlying technologies
• Excellent documentation skills, autonomous working and duty prioritisation
• Post doctoral or related industry experience.
• Background in quantum devices is desirable, but not required.

About Our Company

At OQC, we see a brighter future for all, enabled by quantum.

Together we are pioneering cutting-edge quantum computers that unlock transformative discoveries, from advancing drug modelling to revolutionising battery technology. Our mission is to put quantum in the hands of humanity, empowering customers to discover new commercial and scientific frontiers.

When you join OQC, you become part of a diverse team of innovators, creators, and problem solvers. We bring together some of the brightest minds in quantum physics, nanotechnologies, hardware, software and commercial operations. Each team member brings a unique skill set and are united by our values, which guide us in everything we do - how we work, how we collaborate and how we shape the future of our industry.

Are you ready to help us build this future?

APPLY NOW!

Please use the link provided to apply for the role of Materials Scientist. To aid your application, it will be beneficial to provide us with a cover letter outlining why you think you would be a good fit for the role and what attracts you to OQC. We look forward to hearing from you!

At OQC we are not just hoping you’ll fit in our culture. We aspire to thrive, as a company and as people, thanks to your diversity of thought and background. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to providing our team members with a work environment free from discrimination, where everyone is treated with respect. Our employment decisions are based on business needs, talent and merit and all our colleagues share in the responsibility for fulfilling our commitment to diversity. We look forward to meeting you!