2026 Internship: Hamiltonian Learning

Job Description

Job Title: 2026 Internship Project: Hamiltonian Learning. Location: Berkeley, CA or Fremont, CA
Hybrid role with remote mentor support

The intern will work on modeling, simulation, and experimental validation of native Hamiltonians and noise processes during parallel gate execution; This role provides hands on experience in applied quantum hardware research outside academia and offers direct collaboration with benchmarking, calibration, and device theory teams.

Responsibilities:

• Implement algorithms to learn the native Hamiltonian and noise governing qubits on a superconducting quantum chip
• Model the effective Hamiltonian and noise on a small multi qubit subsystem
• Co design experiments to validate theoretical models;
• Reconstruct Hamiltonian and noise models from numerical simulations
• Validate reconstructed models directly on quantum hardware
• Develop a pre production research codebase for continued Hamiltonian and noise learning development
• Collaborate with benchmarking, calibration, and device theory teams;
• Analyze and interpret results and clearly communicate findings to cross functional teams

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a Master’s or PhD in quantum many body physics, quantum information, or a closely related field
• Strong programming skills in Python
• Experience implementing advanced simulations of quantum many body systems
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Ability to clearly communicate complex technical results
• Highly motivated and able to work independently

Preferred:

• Hands on experience designing and executing experiments on quantum hardware
• Experience working in collaborative research environments with theorists and experimentalists
• Experience with Python libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, QuTiP, or JAX;
• Demonstrated publication record in quantum physics

Benefits and Compensation:

• Hourly pay range: 35 to 50 USD per hour
• Compensation based on academic level: Undergraduate 35 USD, Master’s 45 USD, Graduate level 50 USD
• Housing stipend up to 2,000 USD for candidates who relocate for the summer
• Flexible start and end dates for summer 2026;
• Option to work remotely or in office at Berkeley

Other Information:

• Internship duration is 3 months during summer 2026
• Mentors will provide remote guidance
• Rigetti is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity employment;
• Applications from women, minorities, and under represented groups are encouraged
• AI tools may be used to support parts of the hiring process, but final decisions are made by humans
• Rigetti complies with export licensing and anti discrimination laws