Sr. Quantum Architecture Scientist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Xanadu is seeking a senior scientist to advance the design of its photonic quantum computer by prototyping, co-designing, and benchmarking its logical architecture.

The role blends analytical and numerical work across abstraction levels, from continuous-variable circuits to quantum error correction, with leadership over people and projects. Base salary CAD 140k–190k plus equity and benefits.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related technical field.
• Expertise in quantum computation theory and quantum error correction.
• Familiarity with optical platforms for quantum computation and bosonic codes.
• Strong programming skills in Python and research workflows.

Responsibilities

• Prototype, co-design, optimize and benchmark Xanadu's photonic quantum computer architecture.
• Lead and manage people and projects in a fast-paced research environment.
• Contribute to scalability and performance improvements across the stack, from continuous-variable circuits to QECC.

Skills

Quantum computation theory

Python programming

Communication skills

Project management

Education

PhD in Physics/Engineering/CS

Tools

Python

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

In this role you will help improve the design of Xanadu photonic quantum computer by prototyping, co-designing, optimizing, and benchmarking its logical architecture. Improvements to the scalability and performance of the architecture can enter anywhere in the stack, requiring a broad understanding of logical compilation and computational units, gates, codes, decoders, magic state preparation approaches, and measurement-based quantum computing. You can expect a combination of analytical and numerical work at various levels of abstraction, from continuous-variable optical circuits to discrete-variable qubit quantum error correction. As a senior scientist you will also be involved in higher-level vision setting and design, as well as the management of people and projects.

Basic Qualifications And Experience

• PhD in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or a related technical field.
• Expertise in quantum computation theory, including quantum error correction under various noise models, codes, and decoders
• Familiarity with the optical platform for quantum computation, especially bosonic codes such as GKP states and the continuous-variable formalism
• Demonstrated Python programming skills e.g. for research, coursework, or personal projects (include GitHub profile on CV if available).
• Demonstrated strong communication skills, e.g. papers, posters, conference talks, teaching experience.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple competing priorities/deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications And Experience

• PhD, postdoctoral or industry experience in quantum physics or technology
• Deep understanding of quantum optics and/or MBQC.
• Knowledge of software development best practices
• Experience with high-performance computing

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

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].

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.