Quantum Algorithms Team Lead | Flexible Hours & Impactful Research

UKRI; Harwell; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday (plus bank holidays)

Flexible working hours

Excellent pension scheme

Public transport / free parking

Learning and development opportunities

Cycle to work

Job summary

UKRI’s National Quantum Computing Centre invites a Team Lead to steer the quantum algorithms group at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. You will mentor engineers, shape the research agenda, and collaborate with partners to advance quantum algorithm development and benchmarking.

The role requires a PhD or equivalent in quantum computing, with proven leadership and communication skills, and the ability to travel for international meetings and collaborations. A competitive package is offered.

Qualifications

• Educated to at least PhD level (or equivalent work experience) in quantum computing, quantum information, or a closely related field.
• Experience and demonstrable track record of research in the field of quantum computing (peer-reviewed publications).
• Demonstrable knowledge of (quantum) algorithms development and execution, and associated processes, such as benchmarking, verification and error correction.
• Experience of stakeholder management or client-facing engagement centered around the development of algorithms for quantum computing.

Responsibilities

• Leading the team developing quantum algorithms suitable for quantum and hybrid quantum-classical workflows, with responsibility for allocating work and delegating tasks across the team, and ensuring successful delivery.
• Developing and delivering R&D activities in the areas of quantum algorithm development, benchmarking, verification and error correction, and taking ownership of the team’s overall research strategy.
• Building the necessary workflows and methodologies across the full development lifecycle, including selecting the necessary software tools for the team.
• Structuring and leading the work aimed to implement, test, evaluate and optimise the developed algorithms on real quantum processors and/or emulators.
• Acting as a technical authority for internal and external stakeholders on quantum algorithms development.
• Identify and drive new research directions ensuring alignment with the NQCC’s overall science strategy, as well as the UK’s Quantum Mission 1.
• Acting as a technical authority for internal and external stakeholders on quantum algorithms development and its enablers (e.g., benchmarking, verification, error correction).
• Promote a collaborative environment across the algorithms team, ensuring harmonisation between the algorithms and the applications team, and across the NQCC.
• Producing technical documents including case studies, reports and publication of non-confidential results.
• Acting as an advocate for quantum computing as an important emerging technology for the UK.
• Promoting standard methodology software development across the NQCC.
• Attend international meetings with collaborators.
• Present work at internal and external meetings both within the UK and internationally.

Skills

Leadership

Quantum computing knowledge

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

PhD in quantum computing or related field

Tools

Benchmarking tools

Verification methods

Error correction

Job description

UKRI’s National Quantum Computing Centre invites a Team Lead to steer the quantum algorithms group at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. You will mentor engineers, shape the research agenda, and collaborate with partners to advance quantum algorithm development and benchmarking.

The role requires a PhD or equivalent in quantum computing, with proven leadership and communication skills, and the ability to travel for international meetings and collaborations. A competitive package is offered.