Science and Technology Facilities Council Salary: £22,096 Hours: Full time Contract Type: Fixed Term Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire The NQCC is the UK's national centre for quantum computing, dedicated to accelerating its development by addressing the challenges of scaling up the technology. Our vision is to enable the UK to solve some of the most complex and challenging problems facing society by harnessing the potential of quantum computing. The centre is working with businesses, the government, and the research community to deliver quantum computing capabilities for the UK and support the growth of the emerging industry. The NQCC's programme represents a £93m investment and is being delivered jointly by the research councils, EPSRC and STFC, as part of UK Research and Innovation. The centre is headquartered within STFC's Rutherford Appleton Laboratory site at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire. There is an opportunity to join the NQCC Neutral Atom Quantum Computing (TAQC) team to undertake a 12-week placement during summer 2025. Our team works to support UK development of quantum computing resources based on neutral atoms, developing and deploying robust and re-usable quantum computing platforms to support our technology roadmap, build scalable quantum computing capabilities and make progress against the NQCC technology roadmap. During this summer placement you will work alongside experienced atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) and senior AMO physicists to support the design, construction and benchmarking of an experimental TAQC platform within a lab environment. The wide range of activities undertaken by our team offers many opportunities for engaging and exciting work. This studentship role will center on supporting the experimental and theoretical teams to design, build and characterize cutting-edge experimental tweezer array quantum computing hardware in our world-class laboratory facilities, tackling problems that span physics and engineering. During this studentship, you will undertake a 12-week project that will include the opportunity to work across one or more of the following areas: Development / optimization of TAQC hardware modules. Quantum measurement & data analysis. Development / optimization of TAQC control systems. Landscaping / Road mapping for future TAQC development. Automated monitoring & feedback systems. Theoretical projects to benchmark or enhance TAQC performance. This is a fantastic opportunity for students who enjoy working well individually, collaborating with a team, and interested in quantum science and technology About Summer Placements at STFC STFC's incredibly diverse range of placements allow you to work alongside world leading engineers, scientists, and technicians in highly collaborative environments. Whichever you choose, you will become a critical member of the team in which you will be exposed to exciting projects and challenges from the start.You will also be supported every step of the way by our dedicated Early Careers Development Team. STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including flexible working hours, health promotion programmes, and subsidised restaurant and coffee outlets. For more information on our full list of benefits, please visit here. Summary of Key Duties & Responsibilities: Developing and testing experimental systems. Undertaking proof-of-concept / engineering R&D projects to enhance experimental performance. Producing roadmaps and reports on progress in aspects of TAQC. Analyzing and reporting on commercial TAQC performance. Designing & benchmarking experimental control systems. Implementing automated monitoring and feedback systems. Developing environmental monitoring systems. Communicating progress and discussing results with NQCC scientists Producing a final report and project presentation. To apply for this placement, we are looking for the following: Essential: You are in full time education at university, and will be returning to university/your studies once the summer placement has concluded You have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement A demonstrable interest in quantum science and technology Experience working in a team, and being able to demonstrate autonomy within their area of responsibility Good communication skill Experience in programming (Python preferred, other languages acceptable). Desirable criteria: Conceptual understanding of quantum computing or AMO Physics. Working towards a degree in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Experience in working in a laboratory - in particular with optics, lasers, or high-voltage supplies Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert. Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received. About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) As one of Europe's largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We're proud of the impact we make. And we're committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You'll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you'll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you'll discover just what a difference you can make when you're equipped and inspired to excel. We're a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don't, ask questions that others won't, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it's at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It's very often ground-breaking. And it's endlessly, irresistibly fascinating. For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/ You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/ About UK Research Innovation (UKRI) UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation. More information can be found at www.ukri.org. Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI. The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment. How we support EDI in the workforce At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce'. Disability Confident Employer As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. How to apply Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application. UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us. Additional Information Organisation: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract External Closing Date: Mar 9, 2025 Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 22,096 Hours: Full-time