Junior Quantum Engineer (PhD candidate)

Vsquared; München; On-site; EUR 56,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

IQM is a leading quantum computing company seeking PhD researchers to work on QEC protocols and calibration on superconducting qubits. You will join an international cohort under the QuBriC network, collaborating with academia and industry partners.

You will develop experimental workflows, analyze data, and contribute to control software while writing papers and presenting findings as part of your PhD program. The role is based in Munich, Germany.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a field related to quantum computing with excellent grades.
• Solid understanding of quantum information processing and QEC basics.
• Understanding of superconducting qubits and quantum processing units.
• Python software engineering skills, including testing and version control.
• Experience conducting laboratory experiments in quantum science.
• Ability to convert work into documented code and results.
• Clear written and spoken communication and collaborative approach.

Responsibilities

• Implement, run and analyze QEC experiments on hardware.
• Benchmark QEC capability and report findings.
• Develop features in the quantum computer control software.
• Support QEC calibration of research processors.
• Stay current with scientific developments and contribute to publications.
• Write publications and present findings; participate in university activities.

Skills

Quantum computing

Python programming

Lab experiments

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree

Job description

At IQM, we build world-leading quantum computers for the well-being of humankind. We design systems to tackle computational challenges beyond the practical limits of classical machines. Our work sits at the edge of science and engineering. It's complex, demanding, and deeply collaborative. We turn deep research into reliable, full-stack systems that drive discoveries in fields like medicine, energy, and technology, reshaping how the world computes.

This position is part of QuBriC, the first European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network dedicated entirely to QEC. You will join an international cohort of doctoral researchers and collaborate with leading academic and industrial partners, including research visits at Chalmers (Gothenburg) and INRA (Paris).

Join the team that gives quantum a heartbeat.

The work

The PhD project focus on successfully implementing and testing quantum error correction (QEC) protocols on hardware efficient quantum processors (QPU). You will have access to IQM co-design architecture QPU to benchmark QEC codes efficiency on those QPUs.

Joining our QEC Operations team, you will combine Python development, experiments on superconducting quantum processors and data analysis to improve and demonstrate QEC performance. You will develop calibration procedure and fundamental operations such as qubit reset and leakage reduction units. Working with quantum and software engineering teams, you will also contribute to the control software that makes these experiments possible.

Your IQM Team Leader will guide your engineering work, while your PhD supervisor will guide your academic research. Alongside your contributions to IQM’s QEC roadmap, you will write scientific publications, present your findings and complete the activities required by your host university.

What you’ll actually do

• Implement, run and analyze experiments for fundamental QEC operations, including qubit reset and leakage reduction.
• Execute QEC capability benchmarks and demonstration experiments, and report findings clearly and accurately.
• Develop features in our quantum computer control software in collaboration with quantum and software engineering teams.
• Support QEC calibration of research and customer quantum processors under guidance, working with calibration and service teams to establish useful workflows.
• Keep up with relevant scientific developments and bring new knowledge into the team’s experimental work.
• Write publications, prepare conference presentations and contribute to university activities, grant reporting and research outreach as part of your PhD.

What we’re looking for

• A master’s degree, or equivalent skills, in a field relevant to quantum computing research and development, with excellent academic grades.
• A solid understanding of quantum information processing and quantum computing, including the basic concepts of quantum error correction.
• An understanding of superconducting qubits and quantum processing units.
• Python software engineering skills, including language features, environments, testing, documentation and version control.
• Experience conducting laboratory experiments in quantum science or technology through your studies, research projects or equivalent experience.
• An ability to solve problems with guidance and turn your work into documented code, methods and results that others can use.
• Clear written and spoken communication, a collaborative approach and a commitment to reporting technical results accurately.

No prior professional experience beyond your university education is required.

The applicant cannot be in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.

Additional information

Mobility rule: To fulfil the Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility rules, you must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before your date of recruitment.

• The applicant cannot be in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.
• Duration: The position is funded for three years with expecting starting date in January.
• Gross monthly salary range: 5000 € - 5833 €.
• Work location: Munich, Germany.

Why IQM?

• Full-stack quantum computing: From quantum hardware to software layers and beyond, we build across the full-stack.
• High-performance playground: We aim high, and we know sustainable performance only works when life outside work does too—hybrid setups, flexible hours.
• Never the smartest: You won’t always be the smartest person in the room. Neither will we. Expect to learn constantly - from each other and beyond with IQM’s Learning Hub, LinkedIn Learning, and a team-based L&D budget.
• Approachable leadership: Flat hierarchy, direct access. Feel free to approach any leaders. They're friendlier than they look!
• The sweet spot: Big enough to matter. Small enough to move fast. Growing between a startup and a corporation. We’re in the phase where top performers get noticed.
• Bigger than IQM: Our people build know-how for the entire quantum ecosystem. We publish papers, run hackathons, and help shape a market that's still being defined.

The future of computing won’t build itself. You might be one of the few who do.

• Meet our people and learn more about IQM on our stories page.
• Explore our scientific publications.

600M€+ Total Funding | 400+ Team Members | 30+ Quantum Computers Built | 300+ Patents Filed | 10 Location Globally

IQM is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and gender balance. We evaluate all applicants on merit, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and underrepresented groups."