Research Associate in Quantum Computation

Quantum Computing Jobs UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

39 days off a year

Job summary

Imperial College London’s Department of Computing seeks a quantum theorist to lead projects developing a full‑stack approach to suppressing errors in quantum hardware. The role targets practical quantum computation by combining hardware-level noise suppression, error mitigation and fault‑tolerant strategies.

The appointee will join Dr Zhenyu Cai’s group, benefiting from Imperial's vibrant quantum ecosystem and potential collaboration with industry partners such as Quantum Motion, QuEra, IBM and

Qualifications

• PhD in CS/Math/Physics or closely related discipline.
• Experience publishing in quantum computation venues.
• Experience with research funding and industry partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead theoretical research on quantum architectures and error correction/mitigation.
• Contribute to analytical and numerical work.
• Collaborate with experimental partners and industry groups.

Skills

PhD in related field

Research experience

Publications in quantum computation

HPC/GPU experience

GitHub or collaboration tools

Education

PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or related discipline

Tools

Stim

Large-scale quantum circuit simulation

Job description

Salary

£50 - £59 pa

Job Type

Contract

Work Pattern

Full-time

Posted 19 Aug 2026 (Last month)

Location: South Kensington Campus

About The Role

Dr Zhenyu Cai's research group in the Department of Computing seeks a highly motivated and exceptionally talented quantum theorist to lead projects aimed at developing a full-stack approach to suppressing errors in quantum hardware. This research focuses on achieving practical quantum computation by integrating techniques ranging from hardware-level noise suppression, quantum error mitigation, all the way to full fault-tolerant computation.

What You Would Be Doing

The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge theoretical research in topics including (but not limited to):

• Quantum architectures, compilation, and scalable quantum systems
• Quantum error correction
• Quantum error mitigation
• Hardware implementation of quantum error correction/mitigation protocols

This post is primarily funded by the EPSRC Quantum Technologies Fellowship held by Dr Cai. The appointee will benefit from Imperial's vibrant quantum research environment, with opportunities for close collaboration with researchers across different departments and also under the Imperial Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science and Technology. Although theory-focused, the position encourages engagement with experimental partners, including existing industrial partners of the group like Quantum Motion, QuEra, IBM, Nvidia, etc. The project will support research visits and joint activities with these collaborators.

The research will involve both analytical work and numerical computations. The balance between analytical and numerical type work is flexible and can depend on the preferences and skills of the successful applicant. Access to high-performance computing facilities and cloud-based quantum hardware will be provided to support the simulation and verification of theoretical methods.

What We Are Looking For

• A PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research / industrial experience.
• Practical experience within a research environment and publication in relevant and refereed journals / conferences in the field of quantum computation.
• Experience of working with research funders and industrial partners
• Experience of error correction simulation using packages like Stim and/or conducting large quantum circuit simulation and experience of scientific programming involving HPC or GPU systems; experience of participating in collaborative software projects; use of GitHub or similar are desirable.

What we can offer you:

You will have the opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution. Imperial College is currently ranked #2 in the QS world university rankings with the Department of Computing ranked top of the 2021 UK REF assessment.

You will receive a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year) and a comprehensive early career development support package including 10 training and development days.

Further Information

• Candidates who have not been awarded a PhD you will be appointed at Research Assistant level within the salary range: £45,399 - £48,876 per annum

Full-time, Fixed term to start as soon as possible for 36 months

For Queries Regarding The Application Process Contact Jamie Perrins

Closing Date: 18th October 2026 (midnight)