Senior Experimental AMO Physicist

Skip to main contentEnglishEnglishBack to all jobsSenior Experimental AMO PhysicistGarching b. München (DE), Ulm (DE)Full-timePermanent employeeApply for this jobYour missionAt planqc, we are building scalable quantum computers based on neutral atoms — one of the most promising platforms for achieving useful, fault-tolerant quantum computation.This role is made for experimental AMO physicists who want to build state-of-the-art quantum computers. For this senior role, we expect the independence to drive architectural decisions on the quantum processing unit, and the experience to set technical direction for others and mentoring colleagues along the way.  You will bring your deep AMO expertise and several years of hands-on experience to the design, construction, characterization, and continuous improvement of our neutral-atom quantum processing unit. You will be part of a large, diverse team, working shoulder to shoulder with hardware engineers, software developers, electronics specialists, and quantum algorithm researchers.Your responsibilitiesDesign, build, characterize, and optimize state-of-the-art neutral-atom quantum computersDevelop and execute measuring campaigns on the quantum processor, track system performance, and maintain stable operating conditionsInvestigate sources of noise, decoherence, and infidelity: systematically diagnose the limiting factors, propose and implement mitigation strategiesAnalyze experimental data rigorously to extract physical insight and guide system improvementsStay current with advances in AMO physics and quantum information science and bring relevant developments into the team's workDrive system architecture decisions with physics-grounded input, shaping the technical developments at a senior levelWhat you bringPhD in experimental AMO physics or a closely related field, with 5+ years of postdoctoral or industry experienceProven track record of independently designing, building, and improving complex experimental neutral atom systemsYou have deep hands-on-experience in one or more of the following research areas:Optical tweezer arrays / optical latticesRydberg atomsTwo-valence-electron atomsAtomic clocks or atomic interferometersQuantum gates and quantum computation with atomsExperience in mentoring and training scientists or engineersExperience writing grant proposals and project reports is an assetWhat characterizes youYou are passionate about pushing the frontiers of experimental AMO physicsYou take ownership and drive complex physical systems forward independentlyYou are rigorous and detail-oriented, and enjoy systematically diagnosing sources of noise and errorYou thrive in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team environmentYou are motivated by turning fundamental physics into real, working quantum hardwareWhy join planqcAt planqc, you will work on one of the most promising quantum computing architectures alongside a highly driven and collaborative team spanning physics, engineering, and software.We combine deep-tech research with an engineering mindset, turning scientific breakthroughs into scalable quantum systems.Joining us means:Working on cutting-edge neutral atom quantum hardwareTaking ownership of quantum systems from day oneCollaborating with an exceptional, international team across disciplinesContributing to a fast-growing quantum startup at a pivotal stage In addition, we offer a competitive benefits package including professional development opportunities, conference participation, health benefits, company pension and much more!If you’re excited about building quantum hardware from the ground up and pushing the limits of experimental physics, we’d love to hear from you.About usplanqc builds neutral-atom quantum computers based on arrays of optically trapped atoms controlled with high-precision laser systems. Our platform combines technologies from optical lattice clocks, quantum gas microscopes and fast Rydberg gates into a scalable computing architecture.Founded in 2022...