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Salary: USD 150,000 - 225,000 / annual
Q-CTRL is the global leader in AI-powered quantum control infrastructure software. The Quantum Computing Research team is dedicated to developing innovative methods to optimize performance from contemporary and next-generation quantum computers, pushing toward quantum advantage through cutting-edge applications, AI, control theory, and physics principles.
In this Senior Research Scientist role, you will join a collaborative team of quantum scientists and software engineers to advance the control and calibration of superconducting quantum hardware. Your primary focus will be on runtime calibration methods for optimizing two-qubit gates, enabling high-fidelity execution of quantum algorithms and quantum error correction at scale. You will push calibration execution closer to the hardware, leveraging FPGA compute and low-latency communication with the compute host.
Key responsibilities include:
- Design and test novel calibration techniques for two-qubit gates across different hardware architectures
- Develop scalable protocols for processor optimization (cross-talk mitigation, leakage reduction, defect mitigation)
- Conduct research in runtime control strategies leveraging low-latency compute
- Collaborate with engineering and product teams to translate research outcomes into production-level software
- Explain, document, and present research solutions in accessible language
You will partner closely with cross-functional research, product, and engineering teams, applying your insights to complex quantum computing challenges and translating ideas into robust software tools. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of quantum technology, driving innovation and delivering impactful solutions.
Requirements:
- Advanced degree in Physics, Engineering, or closely related discipline (PhD preferred, but exceptional candidates with previous industry experience considered)
- 3+ years of experience conducting research in a relevant field
- Deep understanding of superconducting qubit physics and RF engineering
- Expertise in calibrating two-qubit gates for transmon architectures (tunable couplers, parametric, cross-resonance)
- Experience with the calibration control stack, signal chain, and FPGAs
- Strong grasp of software development best practices and experience developing software modules for qubit measurement and control (Python, C++, or Rust)
- Multidisciplinary problem-solving mindset and self-motivation valued; candidates encouraged to apply even if not meeting all requirements
