JOB SPECIFICATION — QUANTUM PHYSICIST (Quantum Gravimetry & Magnetometry)
Location: UK (Remote)
Contract: 3 month (with strong potential for Phase 2 extension-18 months)
Start: January 2026
Salary: Competitive / negotiable
Organisation: [Entergaia Technologies ] – Quantum Sensing & Subsurface Intelligence
ROLE OVERVIEW
We are seeking an exceptional Quantum Physicist to lead the physics, modelling, and experimental validation components of a cutting-edge feasibility project. The project aims to demonstrate that quantum gravimeters and quantum magnetometers can detect subsurface hazards (voids, water ingress, weak ground) beneath UK transport infrastructure.
The Quantum Physicist is responsible for building the physical models, designing and executing calibration experiments with partner labs, interpreting sensor behavior, and ensuring the scientific credibility of the AI-driven anomaly detection platform.
You will work directly with the Data Scientist and Geophysicist
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Physics Modelling & Simulation
You will lead all quantum-physics and geophysical modelling.
Tasks
•Develop forward models for:
oquantum gravimeter response to voids, sinkholes, water ingress
oquantum magnetometer response to ferrous and geological structures
•Implement analytical or numerical models for:
omass-density contrasts
ogravitational fields and gradients
omagnetic susceptibility contrasts
•Create realistic, physics-accurate synthetic datasets for AI training.
•Model the sensor’s transfer function, including:
ovibration coupling
olaser phase noise
ointerferometer stability
ogravity-gradient and magnetic-gradient effects
•Work closely with the AI Specialist to verify the realism of simulated signatures.
Outputs
•Complete simulation library of hazard scenarios
•Physics-based anomaly maps
•Sensor-response modelling report
2. Laboratory Calibration & Controlled Experiments
Lead calibration and validation using university & metrology facilities (no physical presence required)
Tasks
•Prepare and configure the quantum sensor testbed:
oatom interferometer alignment
ooptical system stability
omagnetometer sensitivity optimisation
ovibration isolation and environmental control
•Run controlled experiments with known reference anomalies:
oknown masses (gravity)
ovoid analogues
owater-equivalent targets
omagnetic inclusions
•Quantify sensor sensitivities:
osub-µGal sensitivity (gravity)
opT–fT sensitivity (magnetics)
•Characterise:
orepeatability
odrift
otemperature dependence
onoise bandwidths
•Collaborate with NPL to obtain traceable metrology validation.
Outputs
•Calibration curves
•Sensitivity thresholds
•Noise characterisation dataset
•Month 2 laboratory feasibility report
3. Sensor Interpretation & Noise Analysis
You will be the primary owner of understanding what the sensor is actually measuring.
Tasks
•Decompose recorded signals into:
otrue anomaly signatures
oplatform-induced noise
oenvironmental artefacts
oquantum projection noise
•Work with IMU data to model motion-induced biases.
•Support AI team by delivering:
ocorrected time-series
onoise models
ouncertainty estimates
•Recommend optimised data-acquisition protocols for future field deployments:
osampling rates
ocycle times
omotion constraints
Outputs
•Sensor noise PSDs
•Transfer function models
•Motion/noise compensation algorithms
4. Integration with AI
The physicist ensures AI models stay physically meaningful.
Tasks
•Translate physics constraints into data features.
•Define which anomaly signatures are physically plausible.
•Validate whether AI-detected anomalies are physically consistent.
•Guide feature engineering:
ogradients
ocurvature
obandwidth of anomalies
•Assist in fusing gravity & magnetic data into a joint physical interpretation.
Outputs
•Physics-constrained ML feature set
•Validation notes for anomaly detections
•Joint gravity–magnetic hazard interpretation
5. Technical Leadership in Hazard Interpretation
Support production of the transport use case and business case.
Tasks
•Determine detection thresholds for each hazard type:
ominimum void size
omaximum detectable depth
owater ingress sensitivity
•Build capability envelopes (performance charts).
•Provide scientific assessment of feasibility.
Outputs
•Sensitivity/detection threshold maps
•Technical content for final feasibility report
•Contributions to transport use case & business case
ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Quantum Sensing & Atomic Physics
•Experience with cold-atom interferometry, quantum gravimetry, or atomic magnetometry.
•Understanding of:
oRabi/Raman transitions
olaser phase noise
oatom optics
omagnetic resonance in atomic vapour cells
Geophysical Modelling
•Understanding of gravity and magnetic fields in Earth sciences.
•Experience with forward modelling and inversion.
Laboratory Experimental Skills
•Hands-on experience building or operating:
ooptical setups
ovacuum systems
olaser systems
omagnetically shielded environments
•Ability to design and run controlled physics experiments.
Signal Processing
•Experience analysing noisy scientific data.
•Familiarity with FFTs, PSD analysis, and filtering.
Software Skills
•Python, MATLAB, or similar scientific computing tools.
•Experience with modelling libraries (SciPy, NumPy, Fatiando a Terra, QuTiP, COMSOL desirable).
Communication
•Ability to 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 a plus.
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential:
•PhD/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.
Preferred:
•Postdoctoral or industry experience in quantum sensing or precision metrology.