Senior Scientist, Quantum Sensing (Magnetometry)
Q-CTRL · Sydney, NSW, Australia · Backed by Square Peg
- Location
- Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Seniority
- Senior
- Posted
- 20 Oct 2026 (5d ago)
- Listed until
- 23 Nov 2026, or when it closes
Atomic PhysicsExperimental PhysicsOther EngineeringPython (Programming Language)Data AnalysisSignal Processing
About the role
About the team Q-CTRL’s Quantum Sensing Research team performs basic and applied research in quantum sensing and quantum-enabled navigation. It is a highly dynamic team comprising approximately 30 specialists in theoretical and experimental atomic physics, cold-atom interferometry, navigation modeling, and modern Bayesian estimation and signal processing techniques. The Quantum Sensing Research and Quantum Sensing R&D teams work closely together, translating novel quantum sensing research into a useful capability and product. We are focussed on pushing the boundary of what is possible in quantum sensing and ensuring our R&D has real-world impact.About the Role As a Senior Scientist in the Magnetometry Novel Hardware team, you will work closely with aninterdisciplinary team comprising experts in quantum sensing and engineering to design, develop, test, and characterise novel state-of-the-art magnetometers and auxiliary hardware, that will solve pressing challenges in aeronautical and maritime positioning and navigation, geophysical exploration, medical diagnostics & imaging, and magnetic anomaly detection. Your focus will be to bring these sensors' exquisite laboratory performance into extreme environments, developing hardware and measurement approaches that maintain reliable operation amid environmental disturbances such as vibrations and electromagnetic interference.
What you'll be doing:
- Collaborating across teams with experimental and modelling physicists, electronics engineers, and software engineers, to develop state-of-the-art quantum magnetometers and auxiliary hardware for aerospace, defence, geophysical exploration, and medical applications.
- Carrying out design, development, testing, and characterisation work in both the laboratory and the field, to improve sensor performance, autonomy, and reliability in harsh environments.
- Developing and testing early-stage prototypes on optical tables, translating experimental results into requirements for engineering prototypes.
- Working continuously with engineering teams to inform design, support subcomponent testing, and lead scientific commissioning through to field trials.
- Identifying adverse effects that limit sensor performance and developing mitigation strategies compatible with both miniaturisation and field deployment.
- Working with technical leadership to organise and execute hardware and capability development programmes, including field trials of our sensors and auxiliary hardware.
- Liaising with academic and industry partners to support sensor development, new business opportunities, and product development.
- Sharing insights and results with the Research division, colleagues, external stakeholders, and customers through presentations, academic publications, technical reports, and blog posts.
- Other duties within the Employee's skills and experience, or with reasonable training.
Ideally you'll have:
- A PhD, or equivalent industry experience, in atomic, molecular, and optical physics or a closely related discipline.
- Hands-on experience with quantum sensor hardware, such as lasers, optics, electro-optical systems.
- Experience in atomic sensor design, construction, operation, and characterisation.
- A practical, experimental approach to identifying performance limitations and improving sensor reliability in challenging environments.
- Proficiency in Python for numerical simulations, data logging, and analysis; familiarity with GitHub and tools like Poetry; and an appreciation for sound software design and architecture.
- The ability to communicate technical results clearly to a wide and varied audience.
It would be fantastic if you have these skills/experience but not essential:
- Experience with quantum magnetometers using alkali vapours, such as free induction decay (FID), nonlinear magneto-optical rotation (NMOR), or spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) magnetometers.
- Experience deploying quantum sensors in fielded settings.
- Experience working in an interdisciplinary context with R&D scientists and engineers.
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