central Oxford
We are seeking a motivated and Talented experimentalist for a full-time Research Assistant in Quantum Computing Control Systems within Professor Ares’ research group at the Department of Engineering Science (Central Oxford). The post is externally funded 8 months fixed-term.
The development of large-scale quantum computers will require a deep understanding of the classical infrastructure that supports them, including analog control systems. As quantum devices scale toward the million-qubit regime, modeling these complex systems becomes essential. This project will focus on building machine learning models and comprehensive digital twins of quantum devices to investigate how scaling impacts the control and stability of quantum operations. The researcher will create models of the physical and control architecture, enabling the identification of design bottlenecks and optimization strategies. The digital twins and simulators will serve as a testbed for evaluating engineering trade-offs and guiding future hardware development. The appointed researcher will collaborate with academic teams, industrial partners, and national laboratories, contributing to the broader QCI3 initiative aimed at advancing scalable and interconnected quantum computing technologies.
Reporting to the Principal Investigator, you will help ensure a healthy and vibrant research environment within Natalia Ares’ research group. You should possess a PhD/DPhil and the ability to develop new research projects and raise research funds through making grant applications. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings is essential.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Natalia Ares (email: natalia.ares@eng.ox.ac.uk)
For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/
Only applications received before midday on the 16 November 2026 can be considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, (describing how past experience fit with the advertised position), CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.
Contact Person: Professor Natalia Ares
Vacancy ID: 189512
Closing Date & Time: 16-Nov-2026 12:00
Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 7
Contact Email: natalia.ares@eng.ox.ac.uk
Salary (£): £40,178 - £48,700 per annum
Documents: 189512 QCI3 Digital Twin jd.docx (2065.4 KB)