Full-Time

AMO Theorist

Updated on 9/4/2026

Universal Quantum

Universal Quantum

51-200 employees

Quantum computing via trapped ion systems

No salary listed

Haywards Heath, UK

Hybrid

PhD

Category
Academic & Institutional Research (1)
Required Skills
Python

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Requirements
  • Experience designing atom-light interaction protocols for quantum technologies.
  • A strong background in atomic physics research.
  • A proven track record of collaboration with experimental research groups and/or the quantum hardware industry.
  • Proficiency in writing scientific code, for example using Python.
  • A PhD in atomic physics.
  • Published results in the field of research.
Responsibilities
  • Design methods for atom-light operations such as sub-Doppler cooling, state preparation and detection, and quantum gates.
  • Contribute to the development of accurate physics models describing atom-light interactions.
  • Work with hardware teams to implement methods on the company's devices.
  • Analyze experimental results and compare them against predictions from models.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience in quantum computing or quantum technologies.
  • Experience modeling open quantum systems.

Universal Quantum builds practical, large-scale quantum computers using trapped ion technology. Its hardware and software enable clients such as research institutions, technology firms, and government agencies to access advanced computation through partnerships, technology licensing, and direct system sales. The system operates by precisely controlling trapped ions with electronic quantum gates and modular silicon components to scale up performance. It differentiates itself with a focus on real-world, scalable quantum solutions and an interdisciplinary team, aiming to become a leading hub for quantum research and licensing-enabled collaborations.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

$12.5M

Headquarters

Brighton, United Kingdom

Founded

2018

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • EDBI invested SGD 30 million in September 2026, validating enterprise and state demand.
  • Universal Quantum opened its first non-European R&D hub in Singapore with 25 staff.
  • May 2026 SPAC interest and $100 million fundraising talks signal investor appetite.

What critics are saying

  • No commercial systems ship yet, so revenue still depends on grants and investors.
  • SPAC pressure and $100 million capital needs expose dilution if milestones slip.
  • Ion-trap rivals Quantinuum, IonQ, and Oxford Ionics can outspend Universal Quantum before 2028.

What makes Universal Quantum unique

  • Universal Quantum’s trapped-ion microchip architecture targets million-qubit systems, not lab-scale demos.
  • Its 2025 Nature Communications data showed 99.9% qubit transfer success across chips.
  • Singapore and Sussex back engineering integration, pairing academic talent with industrial packaging.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Flexible Work Hours

401(k) Company Match

Parental Leave

Stock Options

Relocation Assistance

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

0%
Tech in Asia
Sep 9th, 2026
UK quantum startup Universal Quantum expands into Singapore with million-qubit ambitions

British quantum computing firm Universal Quantum is expanding into Singapore. The company, which specialises in ion-trap quantum hardware, is targeting systems at the million-qubit scale. The move follows Singapore's announcement of its National Quantum Strategy in May 2024. Under the plan, the government aims to invest about S$300 million (US$237 million) in quantum research and talent over five years. Universal Quantum's expansion reflects growing interest in quantum computing technology across Asia-Pacific markets, with Singapore positioning itself as a regional hub for quantum research and development.

University of Sussex
Aug 19th, 2025
Secretary of State for Science, Technology & Innovation hails Sussex's quantum department for driving UK's economic

Its spin-out, Universal Quantum, has already secured around £100 million in investment, as part of Greater Brighton Economic Board's plans to grow a 'Quantum Silicon Valley' in the region.

Samedan Ltd
Jul 29th, 2025
Universal Quantum partners with Open Quantum Institute to tackle endometriosis with new technology

Universal Quantum partners with Open Quantum Institute to tackle endometriosis with new technology.

New Electronics
Jul 17th, 2025
Universal Quantum and TUHH to develop scalable quantum software

Universal Quantum and TUHH to develop scalable quantum software.

The Business Magazine
Mar 28th, 2024
Universities of Sussex and Bristol launch £24m centre to train quantum leaders

Last year, researchers from the University of Sussex collaborated with Universal Quantum on a major breakthrough, showing for the first time that quantum bits (qubits) can directly transfer between quantum computer microchips.