Quantum Algorithms Scientist — Fault-Tolerant Simulation

Xanadu; Toronto; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Xanadu is seeking a quantum scientist to join a technical team and advance fault-tolerant quantum algorithms for real-world applications. You will contribute to designing, optimizing, and validating quantum workflows that tackle chemistry and materials problems, while collaborating with partners across industry and academia.

You will focus on quantum simulation, develop core subroutines, and publish results while supporting patent activities.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline — or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong track record of research accomplishments in quantum algorithms, evidenced by publications, patents, or technical work.
• Deep knowledge of fundamental concepts in quantum algorithms, such as Hamiltonian simulation, Trotter product formulas, quantum signal processing, LU decomposition, amplitude amplification, quantum phase estimation, and quantum read‑only memories.
• Working knowledge of electronic structure for chemistry or materials: second quantization, basis sets and orbitals, fermion‑to‑qubit mappings, and standard classical baselines.
• Ability to reason quantitatively about the cost of a quantum simulation algorithm — not only asymptotic scaling, but where the leading constants come from.
• Capacity to thrive in an interdisciplinary team environment and drive independent research when required.
• Excellent communication skills, with a proven ability to convey complex technical ideas to specialist and non‑specialist audiences.
• Strong self‑management skills to balance priorities and deliverables in a fast‑paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and pioneer quantum algorithms for simulating molecules and materials on fault-tolerant quantum computers.
• Radically improve algorithm efficiency by reducing qubit counts, non‑Clifford gate complexity, and overall resource requirements for simulations.
• Develop core subroutines for quantum simulation: block encodings, qubitization, quantum phase estimation, initial-state preparation, and Hamiltonian factorizations.
• Identify high-value applications in chemistry and materials science, especially in the semiconductor industry.
• Demonstrate feasibility and scalability of new algorithms with rigorous resource estimation.
• Collaborate with industry leaders to deliver solutions for real‑world chemistry and materials problems.
• Work with quantum error correction experts to compile simulation algorithms for fault‑tolerant architectures.
• Collaborate with PennyLane developers to create tools for quantum simulation research.
• Write papers, reports, and documentation; contribute to patents; present findings at conferences and events.

Skills

Quantum algorithms

Hamiltonian simulation

Python programming

Research publications

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Physics/CS/Chemistry/Math/Engineering

Tools

PySCF

VASP

Quantum ESPRESSO

DMRG/QMC packages

Job description

Xanadu is seeking a quantum scientist to join a technical team and advance fault-tolerant quantum algorithms for real-world applications. You will contribute to designing, optimizing, and validating quantum workflows that tackle chemistry and materials problems, while collaborating with partners across industry and academia.

You will focus on quantum simulation, develop core subroutines, and publish results while supporting patent activities.