Quantum Error Correction Researcher (Algorithms)

Riverlane; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Life insurance

Contributory pension scheme

Equity

28 days annual leave

Job summary

Riverlane in Cambridge, UK, is seeking a QEC Researcher (Algorithms) to advance quantum error correction and algorithms for fault-tolerant quantum computers. You will collaborate with mathematicians, physicists and chemists to publish and present work.

You will also write code to test ideas, contribute to software-focused research outputs, and lead or contribute to cross-disciplinary projects across the company.

Qualifications

• PhD in a mathematically focused discipline is required.
• Curiosity and motivation to learn new technical topics in quantum error correction and quantum algorithms.
• Ability to work independently and with teams, sharing progress clearly.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Learn about logical operations in quantum error-correcting codes and apply this to optimisation of fault-tolerant algorithms.
• Engage in academic research activities: reading, journals clubs, papers, conferences.
• Write code to test ideas and contribute to software-focused research outputs.
• Lead or contribute to cross-disciplinary projects.
• Collaborate with Riverlane teams to integrate research with other areas.
• Build relationships with partners and collaborators in industry and academia.

Education

PhD in a mathematically focused discipline (physics, theoretical chemistry, mathematics or computer science)

Job description

Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid

Salary: £60,000 to £85,000, DOE

The salary range for this role is broad, as we are able to consider varying levels of experience. Any offer made will carefully take into account level of experience (including relevant industry experience), transferable relevant skills and previous relevant achievements.

We will also consider part-time applications for this role. Please indicate your preferred working schedule in your cover letter.

About Us

Riverlane’s mission is to master quantum error correction (QEC) and unlock a new age of human progress. From advances in material and climate science, to complex chemistry simulation for new drug design, quantum computers will help humanity solve some of its most important challenges. But without QEC, the industry’s defining technical challenge, such breakthroughs can never be achieved. Riverlane is the world leader in QEC technology. QEC is a complex problem that requires a range of skills, talent and passion.

Having raised more than $125M in funding to date to accelerate our cutting-edge R&D in quantum error correction (QEC), Riverlane partners with many of the world’s leading quantum hardware providers and government agencies to make fault-tolerant quantum computing a reality. We’re making remarkable progress and growing fast.

About The Role

As a QEC Researcher (Algorithms) at Riverlane, you’ll be part of one of our more forward-looking research-led science teams working on quantum algorithms and their implementation on future fault-tolerant quantum computers.

The team brings together mathematicians, physicists, and chemists, and works closely with leading researchers in quantum algorithms and QEC. A core part of the role is contributing to the academic community through publications and conference participation.

This role focuses on understanding how quantum algorithms perform in realistic fault-tolerant settings, taking into account practical error-correcting codes, hardware architectures and different qubit modalities.

Your work may include optimising quantum circuit compilation for specific QEC primitives, developing resource and cost models for fault-tolerant algorithms, and exploring co-design approaches that link algorithms, QEC schemes and hardware assumptions for early fault-tolerant devices.

You’ll collaborate closely with other QEC teams at Riverlane, including those working on logical operations, decoding and QEC code design across different qubit platforms.

Prior experience in QEC or quantum algorithms is helpful but not essential, we will support you to develop the relevant knowledge and skills.

What You Will Do

• Learn about and research logical operations in quantum error-correcting codes, and apply this understanding to the optimisation and compilation of fault‑tolerant algorithms.
• Engage in academic research activities, including reading and reviewing literature, participating in journal clubs, writing papers, and presenting work at conferences.
• Write code to test scientific ideas and contribute to software-focused research outputs and products.
• Lead or contribute to projects involving small, cross-disciplinary teams.
• Collaborate with other teams across Riverlane to integrate your work with related research areas.
• Build and maintain relationships with partners and collaborators in industry and academia.

What We Need

• A PhD with strong academic performance in a mathematically focused discipline, such as physics, theoretical chemistry, mathematics or computer science.
• Curiosity and motivation to learn new technical topics and apply your skills across quantum error correction and quantum algorithms.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively, sharing progress clearly with colleagues, contributing to technical discussions and problem solving.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Even better if you have…

• Experience working on quantum algorithms or applications of quantum computing.
• Experience designing and running numerical simulations.
• Experience conducting research in quantum error correction, either in academia or industry.

What Can You Expect From Us

• A comprehensive benefits package that includes an annual bonus plan, private medical insurance, life insurance, and a contributory pension scheme
• Equity, so that our team can share in the long-term success of Riverlane
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave
• A diverse work environment that brings together experts in many fields (including software and hardware development, quantum information theory, physics and maths) and over 20 different nationalities
• A learning environment that encourages individual, team and company growth and development, including a regular programme of learning events and training and conference budgets

Everyone is welcome at Riverlane. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from eligible and suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender reassignment, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity/paternity.

Women and other underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a role unless they meet all or nearly all of the requirements. If this applies to you, we still encourage you to apply - you may be a great fit, even if you don’t meet every single qualification. We’d love to hear from you.

If you need any adjustments made to the application or selection process so you can do your best, please let us know. We will be happy to help.

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