Senior Research Scientist, Quantum Error Correction

About usFounded 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.
From educating the workforce on how quantum computing works, to building the next generation of quantum sensors, to delivering massive performance gains for end-users, it all starts with hiring the right talent. If you want to help us build the Quantum future, read on.
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-p