Quantum Algorithms Lead

Cambridge Consultants; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambridge Consultants is seeking a Quantum Algorithms Lead to translate advances in quantum computing into real-world value. You will steer technical directions, guide a growing team, and engage with clients to uncover where quantum can create meaningful impact.

You will lead hands-on development, review research literature, and mentor junior staff while shaping the group’s capability and strategy. A PhD is not required, but broad expertise is expected.

Qualifications

• Substantial industry or research experience in quantum algorithms.
• Broad knowledge of quantum computing and potential use cases.
• Experience applying quantum computing to real-world problems.
• Experience leading complex technical work and guiding teams.
• Strong Python programming skills.
• Ability to translate research into clear conclusions.
• Experience producing high-quality technical reports/presentations.
• Ability to mentor staff.
• Degree in a relevant scientific/technical discipline.

Responsibilities

• Set the technical direction for quantum algorithm and quantum software projects, from early exploration through to delivery.
• Lead programmes of technical work, including planning activities, coordinating team members, managing technical risks, and assuring the quality of outputs.
• Undertake hands-on technical work, including software and quantum algorithm development, reviewing research literature, and producing technical reports.
• Lead and review the work of quantum algorithm developers, providing constructive technical guidance and ensuring that work meets our high standards and the needs of our clients.
• Line managing and mentoring junior members of the group, supporting their technical and professional development.
• Work directly with clients to understand their objectives, explain complex technical topics, and identify where quantum computing may provide meaningful value.
• Work with the Head of Quantum and Novel Compute to develop the group's technical capabilities, support recruitment, and build a strong and collaborative team.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, software developers, designers, and commercial specialists from across Cambridge Consultants on quantum algorithm project delivery and commercial opportunity identification.
• Supporting the development of a community around the open-source software that the group is developing for quantum resource estimation.
• Communicate developed insights to stakeholders, clients, and the wider public through demonstrations, technical publications, open-source software, and presentations.

Skills

Quantum algorithms

Python programming

Leadership

Client engagement

Technical direction

Team coordination

Research analysis

Education

Degree in CS/Physics/Engineering/Mathematics

Job description

Cambridge Consultants is looking for a Quantum Algorithms Lead to help translate advances in quantum computing into meaningful, real-world value.

This is an opportunity to play a leading role in a growing specialist team working at the forefront of quantum algorithms and software. You will provide technical direction, deliver high-quality technical work, support ongoing sales and guide the development of other group members.

Working closely with the Head of Quantum and Novel Compute, you will help shape our technical capabilities and their application to important commercial challenges. You will support the leadership of the Quantum Algorithms group, including line management of junior team members, with the opportunity to take on broader leadership responsibilities as you establish yourself in the role.

Our work combines rigorous technical research with practical consultancy. You will engage directly with clients to understand their challenges, assess where quantum computing could create value, and identify the technical and commercial barriers that must be overcome. You will then lead teams in turning those insights into robust analyses, software prototypes, and clear recommendations.

We take pride in researching and exploiting emerging fields, giving our clients access to innovative technologies ahead of the curve. If you are motivated by technically difficult problems, enjoy helping others succeed, and want to influence how quantum computing is applied in the real world, we would like to hear from you.

What you will do

• Set the technical direction for quantum algorithm and quantum software projects, from early exploration through to delivery.
• Lead programmes of technical work, including planning activities, coordinating team members, managing technical risks, and assuring the quality of outputs.
• Undertake hands-on technical work, including software and quantum algorithm development, reviewing research literature, and producing technical reports.
• Lead and review the work of quantum algorithm developers, providing constructive technical guidance and ensuring that work meets our high standards and the needs of our clients.
• Line managing and mentoring junior members of the group, supporting their technical and professional development.
• Work directly with clients to understand their objectives, explain complex technical topics, and identify where quantum computing may provide meaningful value.
• Work with the Head of Quantum and Novel Compute to develop the group's technical capabilities, support recruitment, and build a strong and collaborative team.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, software developers, designers, and commercial specialists from across Cambridge Consultants on quantum algorithm project delivery and commercial opportunity identification.
• Supporting the development of a community around the open-source software that the group is developing for quantum resource estimation.
• Communicate developed insights to stakeholders, clients, and the wider public through demonstrations, technical publications, open-source software, and presentations.

Examples of projects undertaken by the group

• Understanding the potential benefits of quantum computers in modelling corrosion and the implementation hurdles to achieving this
• Supporting the UK energy sector in understanding the scale and timing of the threat that quantum computing poses to ongoing cybersecurity and potential mitigations .
• Working with a range of industry and academic partners to understand how improvements in quantum hardware could accelerate the path to commercial value
• Developing open-source software tools for quantum algorithm resource estimation to better understand when and how quantum computers will carry out useful computations. (Announcement)

What we are looking for

• Substantial industry or research experience in quantum algorithms.
• Broad technical knowledge of quantum computing, including an understanding of potential use cases.
• Experience in the challenges of applying quantum computing to real-world problems. This might include work involving quantum resource estimation, fault-tolerant quantum computation, or an application domain expertise like quantum chemistry, materials simulation, or optimisation.
• Demonstrable experience leading complex technical work, including planning, team coordination, client engagement, and setting technical direction.
• Strong Python programming skills, including the ability to develop technical software and review the work of others.
• The ability to critically assess research literature and translate technical findings into clear, rigorous, and relevant conclusions.
• Experience producing high-quality technical reports, presentations, or recommendations and communicating the findings for a range of audiences.
• The ability to lead, mentor, and support the development of graduate and mid-career technical staff.
• A degree or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific or technical discipline, such as computer science, physics, chemistry, engineering, or mathematics.

A PhD is not required. We value relevant technical expertise, evidence of achievement, and the ability to apply your knowledge effectively. We are interested in people with strong technical foundations, broad intellectual curiosity, and the potential to grow into the full scope of the role.

By submitting an application to Cambridge Consultants, you confirm that the information provided in this application, together with any supporting documentation, is true, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief. You understand that any false statement, misleading information, or material omission may render you liable to disqualification from the recruitment process, withdrawal of any offer of employment, or dismissal without notice if discovered following appointment. You acknowledge that the organisation reserves the right to verify the information supplied.