Quantum Physicist (PhD/MSc with Experience Only

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 • Develop forward models for: o quantum gravimeter response to voids, sinkholes, water ingress o quantum magnetometer response to ferrous and geological structures • Implement analytical or numerical models for: o mass-density contrasts o gravitational fields and gradients o magnetic susceptibility contrasts • Create realistic, physics-accurate synthetic datasets for AI training. • Model the sensor’s transfer function, including: o vibration coupling o laser phase noise o interferometer stability o gravity-gradient and magnetic-gradient effects • Work closely with the AI Specialist to verify the realism of simulated signatures. Outputs • Complete simulation library of hazard scenarios • Physics-based anomaly maps • Sensor-response modelling report 1. Laboratory Calibration & Controlled Experiments Lead calibration and validation using university & metrology facilities (no physical presence required) Tasks • Prepare and configure the quantum sensor testbed: o atom interferometer alignment o optical system stability o magnetometer sensitivity optimisation o vibration isolation and environmental control • Run controlled experiments with known reference anomalies: o known masses (gravity) o void analogues o water-equivalent targets o magnetic inclusions • Quantify sensor sensitivities: o sub-µGal sensitivity (gravity) o pT–fT sensitivity (magnetics) • Characterise: o repeatability o drift o temperature dependence o noise bandwidths • Collaborate with NPL to obtain traceable metrology validation. Outputs • Calibration curves • Sensitivity thresholds • Noise characterisation dataset • Month 2 laboratory feasibility report 1. Sensor Interpretation & Noise Analysis You will be the primary owner of understanding what the sensor is actually measuring. Tasks • Decompose recorded signals into: o true anomaly signatures o platform-induced noise o environmental artefacts o quantum projection noise • Work with IMU data to model motion-induced biases. • Support AI team by delivering: o corrected time-series o noise models o uncertainty estimates • Recommend optimised data-acquisition protocols for future field deployments: o sampling rates o cycle times o motion constraints Outputs • Sensor noise PSDs • Transfer function models • Motion/noise compensation algorithms 1. Integration with AI The physicist ensures AI models stay physically meaningful. Tasks • Translate physics constraints into data features. • Define which anomaly signatures are physically plausible. • Validate whether AI-detected anomalies are physically consistent. • Guide feature engineering: o gradients o curvature o bandwidth of anomalies • Assist in fusing gravity & magnetic data into a joint physical interpretation. Outputs • Physics-constrained ML feature set • Validation notes for anomaly detections • Joint gravity–magnetic hazard interpretation 1. Technical Leadership in Hazard Interpretation Support production of the transport use case and business case. Tasks • Determine detection thresholds for each hazard type: o minimum void size o maximum detectable depth o water ingress sensitivity • Build capability envelopes (performance charts). • Provide scientific assessment of feasibility. Outputs • Sensitivity/detection threshold maps • Technical content for final feasibility report • Contributions to transport use case & business case ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE Quantum Sensing & Atomic Physics • Experience with cold-atom interferometry, quantum gravimetry, or atomic magnetometry. • Understanding of: o Rabi/Raman transitions o laser phase noise o atom optics o magnetic resonance in atomic vapour cells Geophysical Modelling • Understanding of gravity and magnetic fields in Earth sciences. • Experience with forward modelling and inversion. Laboratory Experimental Skills • Hands-on experience building or operating: o optical setups o vacuum systems o laser systems o magnetically shielded environments • Ability to design and run controlled physics experiments. Signal Processing • Experience analysing noisy scientific data. • Familiarity with FFTs, PSD analysis, and filtering. Software Skills • Python, MATLAB, or similar scientific computing tools. • Experience with modelling libraries (SciPy, NumPy, Fatiando a Terra, QuTiP, COMSOL desirable). Communication • Ability to 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 a plus. QUALIFICATIONS Essential: • PhD/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. Preferred: • Postdoctoral or industry experience in quantum sensing or precision metrology.