Quantum Specialist (KTP Associate)

CPI TMD Technologies Ltd and the University of Sussex are looking to recruit a highly motivated and skilled researcher within the area of spectroscopy, quantum optics and atom-light interaction to lead and deliver a project to commercialise an optical atomic clock.

CPI TMD Technologies Ltd’s core business is the design, manufacture, supply and repair of high-power microwave amplifiers and power supplies to the defence and communications industries. These products are typically high value and low-to-medium volume, requiring extremely specialist manufacturing and testing capability to realize. In order to achieve more significant growth, the company is pursuing development of a third revenue stream from quantum-enabled sensing and timing products.

Working with experts from the university and drawing on expertise from within the company, you will use your skills to follow CPI TMD Technologies’ new product introduction process to

• Review and redesign atomic clock subsystems
• Source components and suppliers
• Test and characterize subsystems
• Integrate and characterize the atomic clock system

This 28-month project is funded through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) award, a UK Government scheme intended to promote beneficial relationships between universities and industry. As a KTP Associate you will receive:

• extensive practical and formal training
• gain marketable skills
• broaden knowledge and expertise within an industrially relevant project
• be supported by both industrial and academic mentors.

The KTP associate will benefit from a tax-free Personal Development Budget of £6,000. There is the potential to publish project output.

Essential Criteria

• Qualified to PhD level in quantum optics or quantum technology with atomic systems and, ideally, atomic clocks
• A solid understanding of atom-light interaction, quantum optics and spectroscopy
• Practical and theoretical familiarity with the operating principles of atomic clocks
• Experience of working with vacuum systems
• Reliable with proven project management experience
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to work individually on own initiative and as a team player
• Ability to appreciate colleagues’ points of view, ask for help and offer help to others where appropriate
• Experience in expressing and explaining technical ideas both verbally and in written format at a technical level appropriate to the audience. This included providing reports, written processes, delivering effective presentations and authoring publications Experience with CAD software
• MS Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge of, and experience in electronic engineering
• System engineering skills
• Experience in optical atomic clocks
• Familiarity with ion traps
• Understanding and experience of working with high precision spectroscopy and diode lasers
• Awareness of general developments in quantum optics technology
• Experience of cooperative working environments

Applicants must have been resident in the UK for THREE years and the successful candidate will be subject to mandatory security checks through the company before being confirmed in post.

It is essential that the post holder understands that a KTP works across the business and the university, and the vital role you will play if you successfully secure this position. KTPs offer a wide range of benefits including access to management training, mentoring and a £6,000 Personal Development budget to enable you to upskill during the project.