SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Salary: USD 150,000 - 225,000 / annual
Q-CTRL is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to lead quantum error correction (QEC) research and development. You will design and implement quantum algorithms and workflows that power Q-CTRL's product offerings and external demonstrations, working at the intersection of quantum computing, control theory, AI, and physics.
Key responsibilities include:
- Identifying architectural bottlenecks in fault-tolerant quantum computers (FTQC) and implementing efficient solutions to address real-world quantum computing challenges
- Conducting innovative research on quantum error correction aspects: designing and optimizing decoders, developing compilation schemes and computation architectures for FTQC, optimizing logical operation schemes, and leveraging QEC primitives for near-term applications
- Staying current with advances in quantum computing and QEC research, applying cutting-edge methodologies
- Utilizing methods from control theory, optimization, machine learning, computer science, and data analysis
- Publishing high-impact papers and presenting at top-tier conferences
- Collaborating with engineering teams to translate research into production-quality software
- Developing high-quality research code using open-source scientific computing packages (Qiskit, NumPy, NetworkX, SciPy, Scikit-learn, PyTorch)
- Communicating complex research clearly and incorporating feedback from colleagues
Q-CTRL is the global leader in AI-powered quantum control infrastructure software, founded in 2017 with offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Huntsville, Berlin, and Oxford. In 2024, the company raised $113 million in Series B funding and delivered the first commercial quantum advantage with Ironstone Opal, a field-validated quantum navigation solution for defense and industry.
Requirements:
- PhD in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related discipline
- Relevant industry or postdoctoral experience in quantum error correction (PhD graduates with proven QEC research track record will be considered)
- Expertise in leading QEC codes such as surface and qLDPC codes
- Expertise in one or more of: decoders, compilation, or computation architectures
- Track record of impactful research demonstrated through publications and/or presentations in well-regarded journals and conferences
- Experience developing software for scientific experiments using Python
Desirable skills (one or more):
- High-performance languages (Rust, C++)
- Strong background in control theory, optimization, machine learning, or data analysis
- Familiarity with error suppression techniques (dynamical decoupling, readout mitigation, zero-noise extrapolation, Pauli twirling, pulse-level optimization)
- Experience executing circuits in Qiskit or Cirq
- Exceptional scientific communication skills with teaching, outreach, writing, or speaking experience
- Familiarity with hardware (FPGAs, ASICs)
- Track record of winning contracts or grants
