Senior Quantum Scientist

Work in Ottawa • Ottawa, ON

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Q-Block Computing Research is seeking a Senior Quantum Scientist to lead significant experimental research programs at the frontier of AMO physics, quantum information, and quantum metrology. This role combines the depth of a world-class experimentalist with the leadership and judgment to define research direction, mentor junior colleagues, and translate scientific ambition into executed programs. This is a role for a scientist who has built hard things in the laboratory, has a mature understanding of what rigorous experimental science requires, and is ready to take ownership of the research agenda rather than simply contribute to it. The Senior Quantum Scientist will be a scientific leader within Q-Block Computing Research, with direct influence over research programs that sit at the intersection of fundamental quantum science and new technology development — including quantum metrology, coherence physics, entanglement architectures, and the experimental investigation of foundational questions about what quantum systems can compute and sense. Q-Block Computing Research is built for scientists who want to pursue fundamental questions without the structural constraints that have come to define modern academic life. The scientific infrastructure is also different in kind. Q-Block Computing Research operates alongside a sustainable engineering organization whose ordinary work is the construction of ultrastable lasers, quantum-limited photodetectors, reference cavities, optical modulators, and the control systems that tie them together. Scientists here have access to that infrastructure as a matter of course, which means experiments that would take a university lab half a decade to build can be standing up in a year. The cost of this is that the work is conducted on-site, in close collaboration, and with a shared vision of experimental rigor; the benefit is that the ambition of the science can be matched by the capability of the tools. Finally, the culture is one of radical honesty about what is known, what is uncertain, and what has failed — a standard that is harder to maintain in an environment where reputation depends on the steady appearance of forward progress.

Requirements

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field.
• 4+ years of relevant research experience post-PhD, including substantive track record in experimental quantum physics, AMO systems, quantum optics, precision metrology, or closely related experimental research.
• Demonstrated leadership of research projects or work packages: technical planning, experimental execution, and delivery against scientific objectives.
• Strong publication record or equivalent evidence of original scientific contribution.
• Scientific honesty, experimental discipline, and a deep personal commitment to doing work that is actually true.

Nice To Haves

• Deep experimental expertise in one or more of: neutral-atom systems, optical tweezers, quantum gas microscopes, cavity QED, optical clocks, ion trap systems, solid-state quantum optics, or high-precision photonic systems.
• Experience with quantum metrology — optical frequency standards, Allan deviation analysis, coherence spectroscopy, or related precision measurement domains.
• Track record of independent scientific contributions.
• Experience in research proposal development, government-funded R&D programs, or long-term research planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of complex experimental research programs, from scientific concept through experimental validation and milestone delivery, with responsibility for technical quality and rigor throughout.
• Define technical approaches, make high-stakes experimental decisions, and de-risk research programs with an honest assessment of what works and what does not.
• Mentor and develop junior scientists and research staff; raise the scientific standards of the group through direct engagement, technical review, and example.
• Contribute to new research directions and program strategy: identify where the frontier is, where Q-Block Research can make genuine scientific contributions, and what new capabilities are needed to get there.
• Advance quantum metrology research and new technology development as part of the scientific program — including precision measurement, optical frequency standards, coherence characterization, and quantum-enabled sensing modalities.
• Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations, research proposals, and technical communications; represent the research program credibly in the scientific community.
• Collaborate with engineering and platform teams where scientific work intersects with capability development, without sacrificing the primacy of fundamental inquiry.

Benefits

• We encourage all applicants to apply, even if you do not meet every requirement if you possess relevant skills, enthusiasm and eagerness to grow, we want to hear from you!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree