Quantum Error Correction Researcher (qLDPC)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus plan

Private medical insurance

Life insurance

Contributory pension scheme

Equity with long-term sharing

28 days annual leave + holidays

Job summary

Riverlane in Cambridge seeks a Quantum Error Correction Researcher to develop the world’s first QEC stack for practical quantum computing. The role spans from new code families and fault-tolerant logic to decoding and architecture design, with a focus on AMO devices and cross-team collaboration.

The role combines hands-on research with a multidisciplinary team, offering a hybrid working model and a pathway to impact in a fast-growing quantum tech company.

Qualifications

• PhD in mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field (or equivalent).
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of Python and/or C++ preferred.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in quantum computing.
• Experience with qLDPC codes.

Responsibilities

• Build deep expertise in quantum computing and QEC, especially AMO qubits.
• Explore and develop QEC protocols with independent thinking.
• Collaborate with hardware partners to optimize QEC for their hardware.
• Write code to test ideas and contribute to software products.
• Share expertise with Riverlane teams to guide product development.
• Write papers and present work at conferences.

Skills

Python

C++

Quantum computing

AMO qubits

Strong problem-solving

Education

PhD in mathematics/physics/computer science

Job description

Quantum Error Correction Researcher

Cambridge, UK | Full-time or Part-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 Quantum Error Correction Researcher at Riverlane, you will help us to develop the world’s first Quantum Error Correction (QEC) stack that will unlock useful quantum computing.

We have a fantastic opportunity to join one of Riverlane’s more science-focused quantum error correction teams, dedicated to understanding fault tolerance on realistic hardware architectures. This highly collaborative group brings together mathematicians, physicists, computer scientists and software engineers, working side by side across the stack: from new code families and fault-tolerant logic, through understanding decoding and noise-aware analysis, to algorithm compilation and architecture design. In this role, you will be part of a small sub-team focused on AMO type devices, where you will work on high-impact research projects, combining hands-on technical work with close collaboration across a wider multidisciplinary team, contributing to research and development across the QEC stack.

What You Will Do

• Build deep expertise in quantum computing and QEC, particularly focused on AMO qubits
• Explore existing and develop new QEC protocols with the freedom to think independently and creatively
• Work with hardware partners to develop and optimise QEC protocols for their hardware
• Write code to test scientific ideas and contribute to software-focused products
• Share expertise and collaborate with other teams at Riverlane to guide development of various parts of Riverlane’s products
• Write papers and present work at conferences

What We Need

• PhD in mathematics, physics, computer science, or a related technical field (or equivalent professional experience)
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of at least one programming language (Python and/or C++ preferred)
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to discuss complex ideas with a variety of audiences in a clear and simple way
• Experience in quantum computing
• Experience with qLDPC codes

Even better if you have…

• Experience in quantum algorithm compilation
• Experience with one or more qubit modalities

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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