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).
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