Experimental Physicist – AMO / Quantum Optics

We are seeking an Experimental Physicist to join an advanced quantum computing research and development team in Japan.

Relocation: International candidates welcome | Relocation to Japan required

Field: Quantum Computing | AMO Physics | Quantum Optics | Atomic Physics

The successful hire will work hands-on with cold/neutral atoms, laser systems, optical setups, ultra-high vacuum systems and quantum control technologies, collaborating closely with experimental physicists, theorists and engineers.

The position is particularly suited to experimental researchers who enjoy building and operating complex laboratory systems, solving challenging experimental problems and translating fundamental atomic physics into scalable quantum technologies.

What You Will Work On:

You will contribute to the development and improvement of experimental neutral-atom quantum computing systems, with responsibilities including:

• Build, align, stabilize and optimize laser systems and free-space optical setups
• Operate, troubleshoot and maintain ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems
• Develop experimental methods for quantum-state preparation, manipulation and measurement
• Implement quantum gates and contribute to improving gate fidelity and experimental performance
• Develop and improve experimental control software
• Perform experimental data analysis using Python or equivalent scientific programming tools
• Integrate optical, electronic, RF and experimental control components
• Troubleshoot complex experimental hardware and improve system stability and reliability
• Document experimental results and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and international conferences
• Collaborate closely with physicists, theorists, software engineers and hardware engineers

What We Are Looking For

You should have a PhD in Experimental Physics or a closely related discipline, or equivalent substantial hands-on experimental experience.

Relevant research backgrounds may include:

• Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics (AMO Physics)
• Quantum Optics
• Atomic Physics
• Cold Atom / Ultra-cold Atom Physics
• Neutral Atom Physics
• Precision Measurement
• Quantum Information / Experimental Quantum Computing
• Optical Physics
• Related experimental quantum technologies

You should ideally have hands-on experience with:

• Laser systems
• Free-space optics
• Optical alignment and stabilization
• Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems
• Experimental instrumentation
• Experimental control systems
• Scientific data acquisition and analysis
• Python or equivalent scientific programming languages

A track record of peer-reviewed research publications and/or presentations at international scientific conferences is highly desirable.

Particularly Relevant Experience

Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Neutral atoms | Cold atoms / ultra-cold atoms | Rydberg atoms | Rydberg atom manipulation | Optical tweezers | Optical tweezer arrays | Optical lattices | Trapped ions | Laser cooling and trapping | Quantum gates | Quantum state control | Quantum measurement | Atom trapping and manipulation | AOM / EOM systems | RF electronics | Low-noise electronics | FPGA systems | Real-time experimental control | Quantum hardware development

Researchers coming from leading university laboratories, national research institutes and postdoctoral programs are encouraged to apply.

Who Should Consider This Role? We are particularly interested in hearing from:

• Experimental physicists currently working in AMO physics, quantum optics or atomic physics
• Postdoctoral researchers considering a transition into the quantum technology industry
• Experimental quantum researchers currently working in academia
• PhD researchers approaching completion
• Researchers developing cold-atom, neutral-atom, Rydberg, optical-tweezer or related experimental platforms
• Quantum hardware scientists and engineers interested in joining a fast-moving deep-tech environment

This is a global search, and applications are welcomed from qualified researchers worldwide.

International Candidates are welcome to apply. Candidates currently based in Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, the United States and other international quantum research hubs are encouraged to explore the opportunity.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role provides an opportunity to move beyond purely academic research and contribute to the development of a real-world quantum computing platform.