Quantum Scientist - Compilation

Xanadu; Toronto; On-site; CAD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Xanadu is seeking a Quantum Compilation Researcher in Toronto to design and optimize cutting-edge quantum algorithms for fault-tolerant quantum computers. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Physics, Mathematics, or related fields, strong programming skills in Python and C/C++, and a solid research background in quantum compilation. The base salary ranges from 140,000 to 190,000 CAD, in addition to equity and benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Deep expertise in unitary synthesis methods.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and independently.
• Strong communication skills for technical concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design advanced software architectures for quantum compilation.
• Optimize quantum software pipelines and performance.
• Develop quantum compilation methods for dynamic circuits.
• Lead projects with cross-functional contributors.

Skills

Scientific programming in Python

C/C++ programming experience

Expertise in quantum error correction

Advanced mathematical skills

Strong research track record

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science

Tools

JAX

MLIR

LLVM

Job description

About Xanadu:

Xanadu’s mission is to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere. At Xanadu, we are learners, innovators, researchers, collaborators and problem solvers. We are creating something that has never been built before. What we are doing is extremely hard, the classic moon shot. Few people in their life will be able to be a part of something like this, where if we are successful, the technologies we develop will solve some of the world’s most challenging problems, and literally change the world. And that is something to be excited about!

Your role and responsibilities:

At Xanadu, we are developing the technology to execute large-scale quantum algorithms on fault‑tolerant quantum computers with millions of physical qubits. As a quantum compilation researcher, you will be part of Xanadu’s software and algorithms group, working with our team of scientists and developers to design cutting‑edge quantum algorithms and to build one of the world’s most advanced software platforms for quantum computing. You will play a key role in the team by designing advanced software architectures for quantum compilation, optimizing compilation passes, reducing cost of quantum algorithms, inventing key intellectual property, and publishing scientific papers. At Xanadu you will:

• Add new compilation techniques to the PennyLane+Catalyst ecosystem based on cutting‑edge methods, heavily optimized to reduce resource requirements of key algorithms.
• Optimize quantum software pipelines to improve performance and address bottlenecks in compilation of large‑scale algorithms.
• Optimize compilation of quantum circuits for execution on fault‑tolerant quantum computers with advanced quantum error correction.
• Develop quantum compilation methods for dynamic circuits and for algorithms with control flow.
• Stay up to date with the latest quantum compilation literature and provide thought leadership to the team.
• Invent cutting‑edge quantum compilation techniques that significantly push the state of the art.
• Translate research discoveries into performant software.
• Lead projects with multiple cross‑functional contributors: algorithms researchers, compilation researchers, software developers, and product managers.

Basic qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Scientific programming experience in Python, C/C++.
• Deep expertise in methods for exact and approximate unitary synthesis.
• Expertise in physical‑level hardware compilation.
• Advanced mathematical skills, especially in linear algebra and group theory.
• Familiarity with classical compilation and intermediate representations.
• Strong track record of research accomplishments in quantum compilation, demonstrated by peer‑reviewed publications.
• Ability to conduct research in an interdisciplinary team environment, as well as independently when required.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively.
• Ability to manage individual project priorities, deadlines, and deliverables while working in a fast‑paced environment.

Preferred qualifications and experience:

• Expertise in quantum error correction and fault‑tolerance.
• Expertise in quantum algorithms, especially for quantum chemistry and quantum machine learning.
• Experience in compilation of dynamic quantum circuits and quantum circuits with control flow.
• Familiarity with JAX.
• Familiarity with MLIR and LLVM.
• Expertise in measurement‑based quantum computation.
• Track record of translating research into production‑level software.

This is for a new position. Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and internal benchmarks. The base salary range is 140,000 - 190,000 CAD. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Our values

Our values are important. They are fundamental and lay the foundation for culture at Xanadu. Learn more about our values here.

Equal opportunity statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive, safe, and equitable culture and fostering an environment where our employees feel included, valued, and heard. We are committed to meeting the needs of all individuals and support a barrier‑free workplace. Should you require accommodations at any point during the recruitment process please contact Recruiting at [e-mail].

AI tools disclaimer

Please be advised that we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the screening and assessment of applicants for this position. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.