Experimental AMO Physicist in Ulm

At 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. You will bring your deep AMO expertise 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.

What characterizes you

• You are passionate about pushing the frontiers of experimental AMO physics
• You take ownership and drive complex physical systems forward independently
• You are rigorous and detail-oriented, and enjoy systematically diagnosing sources of noise and error
• You thrive in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team environment
• You are motivated by turning fundamental physics into real, working quantum hardware

Joining us means

• Working on cutting-edge neutral atom quantum hardware
• Taking ownership of quantum systems from day one
• Collaborating with an exceptional, international team across disciplines
• Contributing to a fast-growing quantum startup at a pivotal stage

What you'll do

• 01 Design, build, characterize, and optimize state-of-the-art neutral-atom quantum computers
• 02 Develop and execute measuring campaigns on the quantum processor, track system performance, and maintain stable operating conditions
• 03 Investigate sources of noise, decoherence, and infidelity: systematically diagnose the limiting factors, propose and implement mitigation strategies
• 04 Analyze experimental data rigorously to extract physical insight and guide system improvements
• 05 Stay current with advances in AMO physics and quantum information science and bring relevant developments into the team's work

What they're looking for

• PhD or Postdoc in AMO physics
• Strong hands-on experience building or operating a neutral-atom platform or comparable hardware platforms
• Strong experimental instincts in systematic debugging and performance optimization
• Ability to take ownership of complex physical systems and drive them forward independently
• Excellent analytical skills and comfort working with experimental data
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications in AMO physics or quantum information
• Proficiency in experiment control, data acquisition, or data analysis (Python preferred)
• A research background in one or more of the following areas is a strong asset:Optical tweezer arrays / optical latticesRydberg atomsTwo-valence-electron atomsAtomic clocks or atomic interferometersQuantum gates and quantum computation with atoms

Pay and benefits

• Flexible working. Flexible hours and hybrid work where the role allows.
• Company pension. Betriebliche Altersvorsorge with an employer contribution.
• Health and fitness. EGYM Wellpass for gyms, pools and studios, plus regular Health Days.
• Job bike. Lease a bike through planqc.
• Learning and development. Trainings and conference participation, including international conferences. Plus regular internal learning sessions where colleagues share their knowledge.
• Relocation and visa support. Practical support for international hires and their move to Germany or Austria.
• Four locations. Headquarters in Garching, an office in central Munich, plus sites in Ulm and Innsbruck.
• Team culture. Regular team and company events throughout the year, from after work socials to our summer and Christmas parties.

planqc is a German neutral-atom quantum computing company built on research from the Max-Planck-Institute for Quantum Optics. Its technology uses individual atoms confined in crystals of light as qubits, and the company has demonstrated scaling of neutral atoms to 1,200 qubits.

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