Research Scientist, Quantum Error Correction

Academic Positions; Finland; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

VTT invites applications for a Research Scientist in the Quantum Algorithms and Software team to advance quantum error correction research and develop experiments for our superconducting quantum computers. The role emphasizes independent problem solving, collaboration, and innovation in state-of-the-art facilities in Finland.

You will design and implement QEC codes, benchmark protocols, and contribute to the software stack powering quantum hardware research.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in physics, mathematics, computer science or closely related field.
• Experience in quantum error correction or quantum information.
• Familiarity with NISQ devices, noise models and error mitigation.
• Strong programming skills and reproducible simulations.
• Familiarity with QEC tools such as STIM.
• Experience with Qiskit or Cirq and running on real hardware.
• Excellent English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and simulate state-of-the-art error correction codes.
• Design QEC experiments for VTT quantum computers.
• Develop software tools to benchmark QEC protocols and decoding techniques.
• Contribute to building a QEC experiment pipeline/framework for VTT quantum computers.
• Collaborate on national and international projects as a coordinator, work package or task leader.

Skills

Programming skills

Quantum error correction

English communication

Collaboration

Education

MSc or PhD in physics, mathematics, computer science

Tools

Qiskit

Cirq

STIM

Job description

Organisation/Company VTT Research Field Computer science » Other Physics » Quantum mechanics Physics » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 23 Sep 2026 - 20:59 (UTC) Country Finland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer 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.