Physical Resource Estimation Intern

Alice & Bob; Paris; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 17,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

1 day off per month

Transportation cost coverage

Meal vouchers

Job summary

Alice & Bob is seeking a Quantum Algorithms Intern in Paris to develop physical resource estimates for cat-qubit implementations. You will review compact block-encoding techniques and compare their resource requirements under supervision.

The role starts in January 2027 for 6 months. You should be pursuing an MSc or PhD in physics or mathematics, with strong math and Python skills, and proficient English. Remote work is not indicated; on-site presence in Paris is expected.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in physics or mathematics is required or currently pursuing one.
• Proficient in reading and synthesizing research papers.
• Strong mathematical reasoning and quantitative skills.
• Basic programming skills in Python are expected.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Review block-encoding techniques with small footprint and compare their resources.
• Estimate physical resources on a cat-qubit architecture.
• Map logical resources to cat-qubit architecture and document results.

Skills

Math reasoning

Python

Quantum computing fundamentals

Reading & synthesizing research

English proficiency

Education

MSc or PhD in physics or mathematics

Tools

Python

Job description

Alice & Bob is developing the first universal, fault-tolerant quantum computer to solve the world’s hardest problems.

The quantum computer we envision building is based on a new kind of superconducting qubit: the Schrödinger cat qubit. In comparison to other superconducting platforms, cat qubits have the astonishing ability to implement quantum error correction autonomously!

We're a diverse team of 250+ brilliant minds from over 35 countries united by a single goal: to revolutionise computing with a practical fault-tolerant quantum machine. Are you ready to take on unprecedented challenges and contribute to revolutionising technology? Join us, and let's shape the future of quantum computing together!

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

In a context where early fault-tolerant quantum computers will have limited qubit and gate budgets, identifying applications whose core subroutines can be implemented with a small footprint is key to demonstrating useful quantum advantage early. The Quantum Algorithms Intern: Physical Resource Estimation will review and compare compact block-encoding techniques by their logical resources, then estimate the physical cat-qubit count and runtime needed torun one selected example on Alice & Bob's cat-qubit architecture.

Reporting to the Quantum Algorithm Scientist, they will produce a concrete,physical resource estimate for this use case.

This internship will start in January 2027 for 6 months !

Responsibilities:

• Review block-encoding techniques with a small footprint (such as a block encoding for the SYK model) and compare their logical resources.
• Estimate the physical resources on a cat-qubit architecture:
  • Map the logical resources of one selected example onto Alice & Bob's cat-qubit architecture.
  • Compute the physical cat-qubit count and runtime in reproducible code, and document the results.

Requirements:

A student in physics or mathematics with a strong interest in quantumcomputing and quantum algorithms. You are comfortable working fromresearch papers, enjoys turning theoretical results into quantitativeestimates, and can work independently on a well-defined research project.

• EDUCATION: Currently enrolled in an MSc or PhD program in physics or mathematics
• LANGUAGES: Proficient in English
• EXPERIENCE: No minimum professional experience required; prior researchproject or internship in quantum computing is an asset
• Solid understanding of quantum computing fundamentals (circuit model,quantum gates, basic quantum information)
• Strong linear algebra and mathematical reasoning
• Basic programming skills (Python preferred)
• Ability to read and synthesize research literature
• Clear written and oral communication of technical results
• Autonomy and rigour in research work

Nice to have:

• Knowledge of quantum algorithms (e.g. block encodings, qubitization,phase estimation)
• Familiarity with fault-tolerant quantum computing or quantum errorcorrection

Benefits:

• 1 day off per month
• Half of transportation cost coverage (as per French law)
• Meal vouchers with Swile, as well as access to a fully equipped and regularly stocked kitchen

Research shows that women might feel hesitant to apply for this job if they don't match 100% of the job requirements listed. This list is a guide, and we'd love to receive your application even if you think you're only a partial match. We are looking to build teams that innovate, not just tick boxes on a job spec.

You will join of one of the most innovative startups in France at an early stage, to be part of a passionate and friendly team on its mission to build the first universal quantum computer!

We love to share and learn from one another, so you will be certain to innovate, develop new ideas, and have the space to grow.