Senior Scientist (Image Processing / Optical Physics)

About Quantum Base

Quantum Base has invented the Q-ID, a world leading technology solution for anti-counterfeit, brand protection and security printing. Q-IDs cannot be photocopied, can be put on anything and can be authenticated with any smartphone. Our largest client is a prestigious security printer that is using Q-IDs for a government tax stamp programme. We’ve produced more than 500 million Q-IDs to date. The first target markets for our technology are security printers, tax stamps and brand protection. Quantum Base is 12 years old, is listed on the London Stock Exchange, and was founded by Prof. Rob Young at Lancaster University. Our mission is to create a new global standard. See them in action here: https://youtu.be/br-f15t-qtQ

Location

Our science team benefits from being in the office together. This role requires 2-4 day per week in our Lancaster University Office.

About the Role

As an Algorithm Development Specialist, you will develop, test, and optimise algorithms essential to the Q-ID authentication process. Your work will directly contribute to the effectiveness and reliability of smartphone-based authentication by precisely measuring fluorescence and quantum emission signatures from Q-ID tags. This position requires a deep understanding of optics, quantum emission phenomena, camera sensor technologies, and robust algorithmic approaches. You will collaborate closely with a cross-functional team of physicists, engineers, software developers, and product specialists to translate complex physical phenomena into effective and efficient smartphone-compatible algorithms.

In this role you will have the opportunity to shape a groundbreaking quantum technology at the intersection of physics, optics, and smartphone technology. You will have access to our state-of-the-art facilities at Lancaster University, benefiting from strong academic collaborations and innovation support. Quantum Base is committed to career development, providing clear pathways for progression into senior technical or leadership roles, supported by tailored mentoring and professional training opportunities. You will be encouraged to actively engage in industry and academic events, expanding your professional network and visibility within the quantum technology community. Our collaborative environment ensures that your contributions are recognised and that your career grows alongside our innovative technologies.

Responsibilities:

• Develop robust algorithms for analysing fluorescence and quantum emission signatures from Quantum Base's Q-ID tags.
• Conduct rigorous testing and validation of algorithms, optimising performance in diverse conditions.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team of 10-20 professionals.
• Process and analyze datasets provided by experimental physicists, materials scientists, and hardware engineers, ensuring algorithmic solutions accurately represent physical principles.
• Clearly document and communicate algorithm designs, results, and specifications to software developers for seamless integration into smartphone applications.
• Engage in continuous research and development to enhance algorithmic capabilities, leveraging advances in optics, camera technologies, and machine learning methods.
• Assist in defining experimental setups and data acquisition protocols to ensure high-quality input data for algorithm development.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation and internal knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Key Experience

• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in algorithm development, ideally focused on optical sensing, fluorescence spectroscopy, or imaging technologies.
• Relevant advanced degree - A Master's or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Demonstrable experience in optical physics or quantum optics, specifically fluorescence and quantum emission characterisation.
• Proficiency in image processing and algorithm optimization techniques, with experience in Python, MATLAB, or equivalent programming languages.
• Familiarity with smartphone camera hardware, sensor technologies, and related data acquisition processes.
• Proven track record of successfully collaborating in cross-functional teams and handing off algorithms to software development teams.

Nice to have experience

• Experience in machine learning, particularly neural network approaches to optical data analysis.
• Knowledge of anti-counterfeiting technologies or authentication processes.

Benefits

We are always listening to our team and evolving the benefits available to our people. As we scale, as do our benefits and we are scaling quickly. We've recently introduced the Cycle to Work Scheme and an employee share option scheme.

Here are some of our most popular benefits:

• Great Tech - A brand new, hi-spec MacBook or MacBook Pro.
• 30 days Holiday - we offer 30 days of paid annual leave plus bank holidays
• Flexible Working Hours - we are flexible with what hours you work
• Remote Working - we offer part time remote working for all our staff
• Cycle to Work Scheme - Big savings when buying a bicycle through the business.
• Pension

If you are a dedicated professional passionate about bringing advanced algorithmic solutions to market, please apply.