Senior Research Scientist, Applications

About the team The Quantum Computing Research team is dedicated to developing innovative methods to get the best possible performance from contemporary and next generation quantum computers. We push toward quantum advantage by developing cutting-edge applications, employing AI, control theory, and physics principles to optimize and automate critical parts of the quantum computing stack. We conduct pioneering research looking toward the near future, including quantum error correction and the integration of quantum computers with high performance computing and data centers
About the role 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 on leveraging near-term quantum computers to simulate physical and chemical systems, with opportunities to explore quantum optimization, error correction, and quantum machine learning. You'll collaborate closely across research, engineering, and product teams to translate scientific advances into high-impact software solutions integrated with leading quantum hardware platforms
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. In particular you will: 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 control, applying this knowledge to develop cutting-edge methodologies. Utilize methods from a range of fields, including control theory, optimization, machine learning, computer science, and data analysis. Create code for optimizing quantum algorithms, near-term quantum applications, and quantum error correction schemes. Collaborate with engineering teams to translate your ideas into production-quality software. Engage with users to gather feedback and enhance our products. Explain and present your work in clear and accessible language. Incorporate feedback and foster effective collaboration with colleagues. Write articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals, attend and present your work at conferences, and collaborate with other industrial and academic research groups. 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 your skills and experience, or with reasonable training. Ideally you'll have: An advanced degree in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related discipline. A PhD is preferred, but we will also consider exceptional individuals with previous industry experience. Expertise in quantum computing, quantum algorithms, or quantum control. Specifically, for this role we would like to see expertise in quantum algorithms, such as quantum simulation, quantum optimization, quantum machine learning, and quantum error correction. 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. Skills we also value (one or more is desirable, but not required): Experience with high-performance languages such as Rust, C , or Julia. Experience with GPUs, TPUs, and other forms of hardware-accelerated computing. 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, producing elegant figures and visualizations, and/or speaking in front of both general and expert audiences. We take a multidisciplinary approach to quantum computing research, bringing together experts from diverse fields. We particularly value versatile and self-motivated problem solvers. If you are passionate about making quantum computers useful, we strongly encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet all of the requirements listed above
About Q-CTRL Q-CTRL is the global leader in AI-powered quantum control infrastructure software. We build the tools that make quantum technology useful, solving the hardest challenges in quantum computing and quantum sensing to deliver real-world impact
Founded in 2017, we operate globally with offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berlin, and Oxford. Our teams bring together technical and multi-disciplinary expertise across the product lifecycle, and we're hiring talent to help scale every part of the business. We work quickly to turn cutting-edge science into deployable technology
In 2024 we raised US$113 million in Series B funding, the largest aggregate investment for a quantum software company. Six months later we delivered the first commercial quantum advantage with Ironstone Opal, our field-validated quantum navigation solution for defense and industry
At Q-CTRL, we prioritize outcomes over hours. We offer flexibility, equity potential, and competitive benefits that reflect our high-performance culture. If you're ready to help shape the future of quantum, we'd love to hear from you
Please be advised that our communications will only come from the @q- domain. All our active job postings are available on our company website
To recruitment agencies, we do not accept unsolicited branded profiles and are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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