Rydberg-Atom Quantum RF Sensing Lead Scientist at Infleqtion (Oxford, UK)

Job Description

This quantum sensing scientist job in the UK is Infleqtion’s QRF Lead Scientist role: the scientific lead for the company’s quantum radio-frequency sensing portfolio, based on Rydberg-atom electrometry, working from Kidlington, Oxford, in the Quantum RF Sensing Group.

At a glance

• Position: QRF Lead Scientist (full time)
• Where: Kidlington, Oxford, UK; home working up to 2 days a week with approval; up to 10% travel
• Pay: Not stated; competitive salary, bonus programme and stock options
• Apply: open until filled (re-checked 23 October 2026)

What the quantum sensing lead scientist does

• Define and lead the scientific and experimental strategy for the QRF portfolio, and own its physics architecture, key assumptions and performance models
• Guide experimental design, data analysis, interpretation and performance validation, with hands-on technical leadership where needed
• Identify and manage scientific risks and limits, and record them with mitigations in the project risk register
• Lead, mentor and line-manage the portfolio science team, and turn scientific requirements into engineering requirements with the engineering team
• Support roadmaps, proposals, customer engagement, IP and publications with the Portfolio Lead and CTO

Why this role matters

Rydberg atoms respond to radio-frequency electric fields with very high sensitivity and are calibrated by atomic physics itself. That makes them candidates for antennas and receivers that conventional electronics cannot match in some regimes. Turning that physics into products is at an early stage. The lead scientist sets the scientific direction for the whole portfolio, so this is a role for an AMO physicist who wants to shape a product line rather than a single experiment.

What Infleqtion is looking for

• A PhD in atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) physics
• Several years of progressive experience in technical project teams, including several years of leadership
• Rydberg physics and interactions, particularly as applied to Rydberg-atom electrometry
• Substantial post-PhD experience manipulating atoms, ions or molecules with light, including optical design, alignment and control of complex laser systems
• Experience with complex systems combining mechanical, electrical, RF, optical and software parts, plus working knowledge of control systems and signal processing
• Experience taking complex solutions from proposal through development and transition, supporting externally funded projects, and working across engineering, science, product and operations

Nice to have

• RF electronics and signal-processing techniques
• Programming in Python, Rust or C++
• Deep knowledge of time and frequency measurement
• Project-management methods, both agile and waterfall
• Design packages such as SolidWorks, Zemax and Altium
• Health, safety and environment practice

Pay and location

Infleqtion does not state a salary. The posting lists a competitive salary, a bonus programme, an incentive stock option plan, a 10% employer pension contribution, private healthcare after probation and life assurance. The role is full time in Kidlington, Oxford, with up to two days a week at home subject to business needs and manager approval.

How to apply

Apply through the official Infleqtion job posting. Infleqtion’s posting does not give a closing date, so the role is open until filled; ResearchJobs.in will re-check this listing on 23 October 2026. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.

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