Senior Research Scientist, Quantum Error Correction - Q-CTRL : Job Details

About Us

Founded in 2017, Q-CTRL has grown to become the global leader in quantum. We're using control to solve the hardest problems facing quantum technology, improving hardware performance and accelerating pathways to useful quantum computers and other technologies. As a product-led company, we bring together diverse teams such as product, design, engineering and research to help achieve our mission of making quantum technology useful. Join us to help shape the quantum future.

As one of the fastest growing companies in the quantum sector, we've had a number of key milestones:

• In November 2023, we announced an industry-first partnership with IBM Quantum Services, natively integrating our performance management software with all IBM quantum computers. Building off of this relationship, in September 2024 we started offering two services via IBM's new Qiskit Functions Catalog as an inaugural partner
• Designed and moved our Global HQ offices and lab space into the first purpose-built (and award winning) commercial and research facility for a quantum technology company in Australia
• Continued to deliver real world outcomes across the quantum sectors, with our work with Australian Defence on software-ruggedized quantum sensing for navigation without GPS, as featured in the New York Times
• In October 2024, we announced our record breaking expansion of our Series B funding round to USD $113M, with $59M USD of new capital
• Grew our global presence to include Los Angeles, Berlin, and Oxford - as well as the recently announced office in San Francisco

At Q-CTRL, we're pioneering the future of quantum technology. Our Applications and Algorithms team is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to design and implement quantum algorithms and workflows that underpin our product offerings and external demonstrations.

This role centers around quantum error correction (QEC) research. You'll collaborate closely across research and engineering teams to produce high impact research and publication and to translate scientific advances into high-impact software solutions. This is your opportunity to work at the forefront of quantum computing, driving real-world innovation in a rapidly evolving field.

As a Research Scientist, you'll be responsible for developing solutions for quantum technologies and deploying them in the Q-CTRL product suite.

What you'll be doing:

• Design and implement efficient and reliable methods to solve key challenges facing real quantum computers
• Stay up to date with advances in quantum computing and QEC research, applying this knowledge to develop cutting-edge methodologies
• Conducting innovative research on aspects of QEC, such as, but not limited to; designing and optimizing decoders, developing compilation schemes and computation architectures for FTQC, optimizing logical operation schemes, using QEC primitives to boost near term applications
• Utilize methods from a range of fields, including control theory, optimization, machine learning, computer science, and data analysis
• Publishing high-impact papers and presenting at top conferences
• Collaborate with engineering teams to translate your ideas into production-quality software
• Explain and present your work in clear and accessible language. Incorporate feedback and foster effective collaboration with colleagues
• Use open-source scientific computing packages like Qiskit, NumPy, Networkx, Scipy, Scikit-learn, and PyTorch to build high-quality research code to develop, demonstrate, and test new algorithms and methods
• Other duties within the Employee's skills and experience, or with reasonable training

Ideally you'll have:

• A PhD degree in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Relevant industry or postdoctoral experience in quantum error correction. PhD graduates with proven track record in QEC research will be considered
• Expertise in top leading QEC codes such as the surface and qLDPC codes
• Expertise in one or more of the following: decoders, compilation, computation architectures
• A track record of conducting impactful research, demonstrated through publications and/or presentations in well-regarded journals and/or conferences
• Experience in developing software for scientific experiments using Python

It would be fantastic if you have these skills/experience but not essential:

• Experience with high-performance languages such as Rust, C++, or Julia
• A strong background in relevant methods from fields such as control theory, optimization, machine learning, or data analysis
• Familiarity with error suppression techniques used in quantum computing, such as dynamical decoupling, readout mitigation, zero-noise extrapolation, Pauli twirling, or pulse-level optimization
• Familiarity with executing circuits in Qiskit
• Exceptional scientific communication skills, evidenced by a track-record of teaching, scientific outreach, writing, and/or speaking in front of both general and expert audiences
• Familiarity with hardware, such as FPGAs or ASICs
• A track record of winning contracts or grants

Salary

The base salary for this position is targeted between $140K - $192K and will ultimately be determined by specific job-related skills, experience, level, location and other contributing factors. Depending on the position offered, this role may be eligible for annual discretionary bonuses, equity and other forms of compensation outside of the targeted range.

Why Q-CTRL?

Flexibility: We embrace workplace flexibility so you worry more about your impact vs a rigid work schedule.

Attractive salary: You'll get to have the start-up impact without the start-up wages.

Equity: We want people to have a sense of ownership in what they do and offer the potential for equity share and annual bonuses.

Cash bonus: We recognize exceptional performance and impact by offering annual discretionary cash bonuses.

Resources: We are well funded by the world's best technology investors, letting us chase our ambitions with minimal constraints.

Parental support: We offer paid parental leave to support you and your loved ones.

Diversity: We're an equal opportunity employer and actively support initiatives like the ‘Global Women in Quantum' program to help expand the quantum workforce.

Unique culture: You'll be surrounded by some of the world's leading physicists, engineers, product, marketing and design people (to name a few!) with a strong desire to learn and transfer knowledge.

Meaningful values: You'll work with an incredibly supportive team who work consistently to deliver our core values to be real, be trusted, be just and to be revered.

Personal development: We provide you with a personal development and wellness budget.

Make a dent: Last but not least you'll have the unique opportunity to help set the direction for this revolutionary technology and truly make an impact that matters!

Q-CTRL aims to bring together cross-functional teams from many different backgrounds to help achieve our goals - we strongly encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements mentioned in the job posting.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.