Research Scientist, Quantum Error Correction

VTT; Espoo; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

VTT's Quantum Algorithms and Software team is seeking a Research Scientist to advance quantum error correction research and develop software tools for benchmarking QEC protocols.

You will simulate and implement error correction experiments on VTT's superconducting quantum computers, collaborating with industry and international partners to push the limits of NISQ devices and scalable quantum software.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in physics, mathematics, computer science, or related field.
• Experience in quantum error correction, quantum information, or related research.
• Familiarity with NISQ devices, noise models, and error mitigation techniques.
• Strong programming skills; reproducible simulation and analysis workflows.
• Familiarity with QEC simulation tools such as STIM.
• Experience with quantum software frameworks (Qiskit, Cirq) including circuit design and execution.

Responsibilities

• Develop and simulate state-of-the-art error correction codes.
• Design QEC experiments to be executed on VTT quantum computers.
• Develop software tools to benchmark QEC protocols and decoding techniques.
• Contribute to building a QEC experiment pipeline/framework tailored to handle the specific noise profile and hardware of VTT quantum computers.
• Contribute to national and international projects – as a coordinator, work package or task leader, or project member.

Skills

Programming skills

QEC knowledge

Simulation workflows

English fluency

Education

M.Sc. or Ph.D. in physics, mathematics, computer science, or related field

Tools

STIM

Qiskit

Cirq

Job description

Are you interested in quantum computing and looking for an exciting opportunity in the field? Are you enthusiastic about working with fascinating projects in state-of-the-\"-art research facilities? VTT might be just the place for you.

VTT is one of the leading applied research organisations in Europe. What unites us are curiosity, a passion for learning and a purpose: to solve the biggest challenges of our timeand turn them into sustainable growth and well-being. Our cross-disciplinary community of over 2000 brilliant minds from 55+ different nationalities focuses on creating impact through science-based innovation. In recent years, we have created ground-breaking innovations such as the world\'s fastest and most accurate radiation detector, a cancer-sniffing sensor device for smartphones, and a headphone set entirely made of microbial materials. Get to know us further by exploring VTT\'s tech & infra .

We are now looking for a Research Scientist to join our Quantum Algorithms and Software team and actively contribute to our quantum error correction research.

As a scientist at VTT, you can make an impact. Our researchers work closely together with industry, often in interdisciplinary research groups. VTT has excellent research infrastructure and internal services to support your research work.

With a strong background in quantum computing, you will have an essential role in developing and carrying out research on quantum error correction. You are expected to identify and solve problems independently and creatively, while working closely and flexibly with a team of experts.

Your focus will be on the development of error correction codes, designing and integrating quantum error correction experiments to be executed on VTT quantum computers.

You will be part of the team that develops quantum algorithms and operates VTT\'s superconducting quantum computers. VTT currently hosts a 53-qubit quantum processor and, through a joint development program with IQM, is building a 150-qubit superconducting quantum computer scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026, followed by a 300-qubit system in 2027.

As a research team, we explore the performance and scalability of quantum algorithms on current-generation hardware, develop and benchmark quantum error correction codes, design innovative error mitigation methods, build benchmarking and characterization protocols for quantum processors, and develop the software stack that powers VTT\'s quantum computing infrastructure.

Your responsibilities as a Research Scientist:

• Develop and simulate state-of-the‑art error correction codes.


• Design QEC experiments to be executed on VTT quantum computers.


• Develop software tools to benchmark QEC protocols and decoding techniques.


• Contribute to building a QEC experiment pipeline/framework tailored to handle the specific noise profile and hardware of VTT quantum computers.


• Contribute to national and international projects – as a coordinator, work package or task leader, or project member.

Who we are looking for:

• You haveaM.Sc.or a Ph.D.in physics, mathematics,computerscience, or a closely related field.


• You have experience in quantum error correction, quantum information, or related research.


• You have familiarity with NISQ devices and architectures, noise models, and error mitigation techniques.


• You have strong programming skills and the ability to develop reproducible simulation and analysis of workflows.


• You have familiarity with QEC simulation tools (e.g., STIM, or equivalent frameworks).


• You have experience with quantum software frameworks such as Qiskit, Cirq, or similar, including circuit design, simulation, and execution on real hardware.


• You have excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

As a person, we hope that you are:

• You have strong communication skills and collaboration skills. You are able to efficiently interact with your colleagues and with people from different fields.


• An enthusiastic outside‑the‑box thinker. You enjoy challenges and learning new things and have a strong passion for science and research and development.


• An open‑minded and innovative person with a vision of longer‑term research needs.


• You are eager to work with new topics and methods, even out of your comfort zone, to achieve the set of ambitious goals.

For further information, please contact Research Team Leader Francesco Cosco ( [e-mail] ).

We look forward to hearing from you!

VTT Location: Tietotie 3