Vacuum Materials Scientist

Description

Aquark Technologies is a start-up with a vision to create disruptive technology in sensing and quantum computing by delivering the world's most portable, scalable and high performing miniaturised cold atom systems.

As a Vacuum Materials Scientist, you will directly develop the technology used to improve vacuum performance that underpins our quantum sensor technology. You will research, test, and define materials, coatings, and getter strategies, and design and interpret experiments to ensure our systems reliably achieve and maintain ultra-high vacuum over extended timescales. The understanding and development of stable alkali vapour systems, including achieving long-term control of vapour pressure and compatibility within sealed environments, will be key.

This role sits within a research programme (funded by UKRI FLF) to transform traditional vacuum hardware into compact, robust, and scalable platforms, enabling a shift from bespoke laboratory setups to manufacturable, off-the-shelf solutions. Working at the intersection of vacuum science, materials engineering, and microfabrication within a fast-paced startup environment, you will collaborate with a driven team to deliver innovative, high-impact technologies while contributing to the growth of a dynamic and evolving company.

Responsibilities

• To improve vacuum quality and lifetime, including investigating appropriate materials, getters, gas permeation barriers, long-term sealing methods, and vacuum stability.
• Develop alkali vapour systems, including ensuring stable and controllable rubidium operation under UHV conditions, and vapour cell environments.
• Develop and apply modelling and simulation tools to predict vacuum performance, as needed.
• Provide technical direction for experimental collaboration with other team members.
• Carry out production coatings using established, optimised processes to deliver consistent and repeatable results, as needed.

Qualifications

Essential

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in Physics, Materials Science, or a related field

• Strong expertise in vacuum-compatible materials, surface interactions, ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems and vacuum physics (outgassing, permeation, leak detection).

Desirable

• Knowledge of thin-film getter coatings
• Experience with alkali vapour systems (e.g. rubidium) and sealed environments
• Proven ability to design experiments and analyse data to guide technical decisions.
• Ability to work independently, problem-solve, demonstrate initiative, and engage in continuous learning to adopt new skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines in a fast-paced R&D environment

Remuneration

• Total salary and bonus up to: £46,000 to £72,000 (salary dependent on experience)
  • Base salary: £39,428.57 to £61,714.29
  • Company Milestone Bonus Scheme, up to: £6,571.43 to £10,285.71

(2x £3,285.71 to £5,142.86 payments).

• Full earnings pension contribution:
  • Employer contribution - 3%
  • Employee contribution - 4%
  • Relief at source - 1%

Other Benefits

• Private Medical Insurance.
• Group Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• 26 Days of holiday + Public holidays.
• Flexibility around core hours.
• Regular company outings, team building and training opportunities.
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice.
• Encouraged learning to continue professional development.