Help Build the UK’s Next‑Generation Quantum Networks
Join the team shaping the future of quantum communications. We’re seeking an experienced Higher Scientist to join the Quantum Information group within the Quantum Technologies Department. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to research with national impact at the frontier of quantum photonic and quantum‑secured technologies and build the next‑generation quantum networks.
You will be joining the group at an exciting time, as we develop one of UK’s leading quantum network testbeds, an ambitious programme uniting world‑class teams across NPL, academia and industry.
Our work underpins cutting‑edge quantum photonic and quantum‑secured technologies, including single‑photon sources, detectors, quantum random number generators, quantum key distribution (QKD) and advanced quantum communications. You will be directly involved in developing the hardware, software and metrology that will define the next era of secure communication.
This permanent position offers the opportunity to work hands‑on with state‑of‑the‑art systems, develop bespoke instrumentation, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams leading innovators across the global quantum ecosystem.
You will help develop measurement capabilities for photonic quantum systems, working with industry to solve key metrology challenges and support the advancement of current and future quantum technologies. The role will evolve with the field, offering strong opportunities for progression.
We collaborate with leading researchers across UK and international academia, industry and national laboratories. You will have opportunities to publish in high‑impact journals and present your work at major international conferences.
Key responsibilities
* Design and implement experimental methods to characterise quantum photonic devices and systems.
* Build advanced experimental setups and develop custom instrumentation.
* Develop control systems and data‑analysis software.
* Perform analytical and numerical data analysis.
* Collaborate with researchers, engineers, academic partners and industry.
* Publish in high‑impact journals and present at international conferences.
* Identify commercially promising research directions and support industry engagement.
* Contribute to or lead bid submissions.
* Represent NPL within the UK and international quantum community.
Essential qualifications
* Experimental experience with photonic systems (fibre, free‑space or on‑chip).
* PhD, or equivalent experience, in experimental physics, engineering or hardware development.
* Strong scientific rigour and problem‑solving ability.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to work across multiple teams and manage priorities.
Desirable qualifications
* Post‑doctoral experience in a relevant field.
* Experience collaborating with industry, academia or national labs.
* Experience with single‑photon sources and detectors, quantum photonic technologies, quantum networks, quantum optics experiments.
* Experimental experience in time‑synchronisation techniques.
* Programming expertise (e.g. LabVIEW and MATLAB/Python).
* Electronics design and system integration.
* Track record of publications, funding and/or commercial impact in a relevant scientific area.
* Experience in commercial technical work and developing innovative solutions to industry challenges.
* Experience leading collaborative, multidisciplinary research.
Additional requirements
To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.
#J-18808-Ljbffr