Research Engineer in Quantum Error Correction

Inria; Lyon; Hybrid; EUR 26,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Partial transport reimbursement

7 weeks annual leave + RTT leave

Teleworking 90 days/year

Vocational training

Social security coverage

Cultural and sports events

Job summary

Inria Lyon is seeking a research engineer to develop and evaluate encoding and decoding strategies for noisy quantum systems. The role blends quantum information, numerical simulation, and machine learning to identify robust codes and practical decoders.

You will build computational tools to explore candidate codes, optimize encoding strategies, and design efficient decoders, collaborating with the QINFO team under supervision. A PhD in a relevant field is required.

Qualifications

• PhD in computer science, physics, applied mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• Strong programming skills, particularly in Python, and experience developing scientific software.
• Solid foundation in linear algebra, probability, and numerical optimization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement methods to search for quantum error-correcting codes and encoding strategies adapted to different noise models.
• Design and benchmark decoding algorithms, including approaches based on machine learning.
• Build numerical simulations to evaluate performance under noise and assess computational cost and scalability.
• Implement optimization methods to improve code and decoder performance.
• Maintain well-documented, tested, and reproducible research software.
• Contribute to research discussions, technical reports, and scientific publications.

Skills

Python programming

Numerical optimization

Linear algebra

Probability

Education

PhD in CS/Physics/Applied Math/EE

Tools

Python

Machine learning

Scientific computing

Job description

Level of qualifications required : PhD or equivalent

Fonction : Temporary scientific engineer

About the research centre or Inria department

The Inria research centre in Lyon is the 9th Inria research centre, formally created in January 2022. It brings together approximately 410 people in 20 research teams and research support services.

Its staff are distributed in Villeurbanne, Lyon Gerland, and Saint-Etienne.

The Lyon centre is active in the fields of software, distributed and high-performance computing, embedded systems, quantum computing and privacy in the digital world, but also in digital health and computational biology.

Context

In the QINFO team in Lyon under the supervision of Omar Fawzi.

Assignment

We are seeking a research engineer to develop and evaluate encoding and decoding strategies for noisy quantum systems. The goal is to identify quantum error-correcting codes and practical decoding methods that protect quantum information under realistic noise models.

The position combines quantum information, numerical simulation, and machine learning. Working closely with the research team, the successful candidate will build computational tools to explore candidate codes, optimize encoding strategies, and design efficient decoders.

Main activities

Develop and implement methods to search for quantum error-correcting codes and encoding strategies adapted to different noise models.

Design and benchmark decoding algorithms, including approaches based on machine learning.

Build numerical simulations to evaluate performance under noise and assess computational cost and scalability.

Implement optimization methods to improve code and decoder performance.

Maintain well-documented, tested, and reproducible research software.

Contribute to research discussions, technical reports, and scientific publications.

Skills

A PhD in computer science, physics, applied mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related field.

Strong programming skills, particularly in Python, and experience developing scientific software.

A solid foundation in linear algebra, probability, and numerical optimization.

Benefits package

• Partial reimbursement of public transport costs
• Leave: 7 weeks of annual leave + 10 extra days off due to RTT (statutory reduction in working hours) + possibility of exceptional leave (sick children, moving home, etc.)
• Possibility of teleworking (90 days / year) and flexible organization of working hours
• Social, cultural and sports events and activities
• Access to vocational training
• Social security coverage

Remuneration

Base of 2692€ gross / month. Wage according to the profile.

• Theme/Domain :Algorithmics, Computer Algebra and Cryptology
  Scientific computing(BAP E)

Defence Security

This position is likely to be situated in a restricted area (ZRR), as defined in Decree No. 2011-1425 relating to the protection of national scientific and technical potential (PPST).Authorisation to enter an area is granted by the director of the unit, following a favourable Ministerial decision, as defined in the decree of 3 July 2012 relating to the PPST. An unfavourable Ministerial decision in respect of a position situated in a ZRR would result in the cancellation of the appointment.

Recruitment Policy

As part of its diversity policy, all Inria positions are accessible to people with disabilities.

Inria, the French national institute for research in digital science and technology, supports the French government in national research and innovation strategies in the digital field, acting as Digital Programs Agency. Inria leads over 300 research and innovation projects with its 3,500 scientists, engineers, and support staff, in partnership with universities and the digital ecosystem (businesses, entrepreneurs, and public stakeholders). Together, we explore strategic fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum computing, cloud technologies, digital transformation in healthcare, digital twins, and digital technologies for defence. We develop practical solutions such as software, tech startups, partnerships with national companies, and cutting-edge training programmes. Our goal is to drive scientific, technological, and industrial excellence to ensure France’s digital sovereignty.