Quantum Physicist (PhD/MSc with experience only in Aberdeen City
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Job Description
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
•\tDevelop forward models for:
o\tquantum gravimeter response to voids, sinkholes, water ingress
o\tquantum magnetometer response to ferrous and geological structures
•\tImplement analytical or numerical models for:
o\tmass-density contrasts
o\tgravitational fields and gradients
o\tmagnetic susceptibility contrasts
•\tCreate realistic, physics-accurate synthetic datasets for AI training.
•\tModel the sensor’s transfer function, including:
o\tvibration coupling
o\tlaser phase noise
o\tinterferometer stability
o\tgravity-gradient and magnetic-gradient effects
•\tWork closely with the AI Specialist to verify the realism of simulated signatures.
Outputs
•\tComplete simulation library of hazard scenarios
•\tPhysics-based anomaly maps
•\tSensor-response modelling report
2. Laboratory Calibration & Controlled Experiments
Lead calibration and validation using university & metrology facilities (no physical presence required)
Tasks
•\tPrepare and configure the quantum sensor testbed:
o\tatom interferometer alignment
o\toptical system stability
o\tmagnetometer sensitivity optimisation
o\tvibration isolation and environmental control
•\tRun controlled experiments with known reference anomalies:
o\tknown masses (gravity)
o\tvoid analogues
o\twater-equivalent targets
o\tmagnetic inclusions
•\tQuantify sensor sensitivities:
o\tsub-µGal sensitivity (gravity)
o\tpT–fT sensitivity (magnetics)
•\tCharacterise:
o\trepeatability
o\tdrift
o\ttemperature dependence
o\tnoise bandwidths
•\tCollaborate with NPL to obtain traceable metrology validation.
Outputs
•\tCalibration curves
•\tSensitivity thresholds
•\tNoise characterisation dataset
•\tMonth 2 laboratory feasibility report
3. Sensor Interpretation & Noise Analysis
You will be the primary owner of understanding what the sensor is actually measuring.
Tasks
•\tDecompose recorded signals into:
o\ttrue anomaly signatures
o\tplatform-induced noise
o\tenvironmental artefacts
o\tquantum projection noise
•\tWork with IMU data to model motion-induced biases.
•\tSupport AI team by delivering:
o\tcorrected time-series
o\tnoise models
o\tuncertainty estimates
•\tRecommend optimised data-acquisition protocols for future field deployments:
o\tsampling rates
o\tcycle times
o\tmotion constraints
Outputs
•\tSensor noise PSDs
•\tTransfer function models
•\tMotion/noise compensation algorithms
4. Integration with AI
The physicist ensures AI models stay physically meaningful.
Tasks
•\tTranslate physics constraints into data features.
•\tDefine which anomaly signatures are physically plausible.
•\tValidate whether AI-detected anomalies are physically consistent.
•\tGuide feature engineering:
o\tgradients
o\tcurvature
o\tbandwidth of anomalies
•\tAssist in fusing gravity & magnetic data into a joint physical interpretation.
Outputs
•\tPhysics-constrained ML feature set
•\tValidation notes for anomaly detections
•\tJoint gravity–magnetic hazard interpretation
5. Technical Leadership in Hazard Interpretation
Support production of the transport use case and business case.
Tasks
•\tDetermine detection thresholds for each hazard type:
o\tminimum void size
o\tmaximum detectable depth
o\twater ingress sensitivity
•\tBuild capability envelopes (performance charts).
•\tProvide scientific assessment of feasibility.
Outputs
•\tSensitivity/detection threshold maps
•\tTechnical content for final feasibility report
•\tContributions to transport use case & business case
ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Quantum Sensing & Atomic Physics
•\tExperience with cold-atom interferometry, quantum gravimetry, or atomic magnetometry.
•\tUnderstanding of:
o\tRabi/Raman transitions
o\tlaser phase noise
o\tatom optics
o\tmagnetic resonance in atomic vapour cells
Geophysical Modelling
•\tUnderstanding of gravity and magnetic fields in Earth sciences.
•\tExperience with forward modelling and inversion.
Laboratory Experimental Skills
•\tHands-on experience building or operating:
o\toptical setups
o\tvacuum systems
o\tlaser systems
o\tmagnetically shielded environments
•\tAbility to design and run controlled physics experiments.
Signal Processing
•\tExperience analysing noisy scientific data.
•\tFamiliarity with FFTs, PSD analysis, and filtering.
Software Skills
•\tPython, MATLAB, or similar scientific computing tools.
•\tExperience with modelling libraries (SciPy, NumPy, Fatiando a Terra, QuTiP, COMSOL desirable).
Communication
•\tAbility to explain complex physics to engineers and non-physicists.
•\tStrong technical writing for reports and publications.
DESIRABLE SKILLS
•\tExperience with quantum gravimeters from Exail, Muquans, Atomionics, Aquark, or research prototypes.
•\tUnderstanding of geotechnical engineering or subsurface hazards.
•\tFamiliarity with drones, mobile mapping, or rail/road instrumentation.
•\tKnowledge of Bayesian filtering, Kalman filters, or motion-compensation methods.
•\tPrior work in NPL, university quantum labs, or labs a plus.
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential:
•\tPhD/MSc in Atomic Physics, Quantum Optics, Quantum Sensing, Experimental Physics, or closely related field
OR
•\tHighly relevant industrial/research experience with proof of technical capability.
:
•\tPostdoctoral or industry experience in quantum sensing or precision metrology.
If you are interested in applying for this job please press the Apply Button and follow the application process. Energy Jobline wishes you the very best of luck in your next career move.
- Location:
- Aberdeen
- Job Type:
- FullTime
- Category:
- Physicist, QUANTUM