Research Scientist, Quantum Error Correction

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Research Scientist, Quantum Error Correction. Location: Los Angeles, California, USA

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent, Hybrid

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement efficient and reliable methods to address key challenges in real-world quantum computing systems.
• Conduct advanced research in quantum error correction and fault-tolerant quantum computing.
• Design, develop, and optimize quantum error correction decoders.
• Develop compilation schemes and computation architectures for fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC).
• Research and optimize logical operation schemes for quantum computing systems;
• Explore and develop methods that use QEC primitives to enhance near-term quantum applications.
• Apply techniques from control theory, optimization, machine learning, computer science, and data analysis to quantum computing challenges.
• Stay current with emerging developments in quantum computing and QEC research.
• Publish research findings in leading journals and present results at major scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to translate research innovations into production-quality software.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences;
• Develop and maintain high-quality research software using scientific computing frameworks and libraries.
• Build, test, and validate new algorithms and methodologies using tools such as Stim, Qiskit, NumPy, NetworkX, SciPy, Scikit-learn, and PyTorch.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Industry experience or postdoctoral research experience in quantum error correction.
• Exceptional PhD graduates with a strong record of QEC research will also be considered;
• Expertise in leading quantum error correction codes, including Surface Codes and qLDPC codes.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Quantum error correction decoders
  • Quantum compilation
  • Fault-tolerant computation architectures
• Demonstrated research impact through publications and presentations at recognized conferences and journals.
• Strong software development experience using Python.
• Excellent written, verbal, and scientific communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred:

• Experience with high-performance programming languages such as Rust, C++, or Julia.
• Strong background in control theory, optimization, machine learning, or data analysis.
• Familiarity with quantum error suppression techniques, including:
  • Dynamical decoupling
  • Readout mitigation
  • Zero-noise extrapolation
  • Pauli twirling
  • Pulse-level optimization
• Experience executing quantum circuits using Qiskit.
• Experience with scientific teaching, outreach, technical writing, or public speaking.
• Familiarity with quantum hardware technologies, including FPGAs or ASICs;
• Experience securing research grants or contracts.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Competitive salary package.
• Equity opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Hybrid work environment.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge quantum computing research;
• Collaboration with leading experts across quantum computing, AI, control theory, and software engineering.
• Access to a multidisciplinary and globally distributed research team.
• Opportunity to publish research and present at leading conferences.

Additional Information:

• Q-CTRL encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Candidates who do not meet every listed requirement are still encouraged to apply;
• Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable California and Los Angeles County regulations.
• Q-CTRL may utilize AI-assisted tools during portions of the recruitment process; however, all hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.
• Recruitment communications will only originate from official @q-ctrl.com email addresses.