Senior Quantum Applications Architect

PsiQuantum; Runcorn; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

PsiQuantum is advancing fault-tolerant quantum computing with silicon-photonics and a global research program. You will design, analyze, and implement quantum algorithms, translating ideas into practical resource estimates for scalable architectures.

The role emphasizes leadership in open-ended research and collaboration with industry and academic partners to map real-world problems to quantum solutions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of research experience in quantum computing (academia or industry).
• PhD in Physics, Math or CS with quantum information/quantum computation focus preferred.
• Experience with quantum algorithms and compiling in fault-tolerant regimes preferred.
• Experience collaborating with partners in academia or industry.

Responsibilities

• Propose initiatives in research and development of quantum algorithms for fault-tolerant computers.
• Collaborate with external partners to instantiate and optimize quantum algorithms for various domains.
• Establish families of benchmarks and problem instances to validate post-classicality of quantum algorithms.
• Guide simulation and analysis of resource requirements for fault-tolerant quantum algorithms.

Skills

Quantum algorithms

Python

C++

Teamwork

Independence

Education

PhD preferred

Physics/Math/CS degree

Job description

PsiQuantum's mission is to build the first useful quantum computers: machines capable of delivering the breakthroughs the field has long promised. Since our founding in 2016, our singular focus has been to build and deploy million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum systems.

Quantum computers harness the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that even the most advanced supercomputers or AI systems will never reach. Their impact will span energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials, and other foundational industries.

Our architectureand approachisbased on silicon photonics. Byleveragingthe advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry, including partners like GlobalFoundries, we use the same high-volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photonsdon'tfeel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.

That approach has since been tested at the highest level of scrutiny the U.S. government applies to emerging technology, and it has held up. In 2025,PsiQuantumclosed a$1 billionfunding round that valued the company at$7 billion. In 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce signed a $100 million Letter of Intent under the CHIPS and Science Act, followed by a $125 million agreement with DARPA under Stage C of its Quantum Benchmarking Initiative,PsiQuantum'smost valuable U.S. government agreement to date. This year, we also broke ground on our utility-scale quantum computer in Brisbane, Australia, and continued building out our Chicago site. Victor Peng, our CEO, and co-founder Jeremy O'Brien, now ExecutiveChairman, lead a team and board that reflects how seriously the world is taking this build, joined this year by Intel's Lip-Bu Tan and Atomico's NiklasZennström.

PsiQuantumalso develops the algorithms and software needed to make these systems commercially valuable. Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies, includingAirbus,LockheedMartin, Mercedes-Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical, to prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact.

Quantum computing is not an extension of classical computing. Itrepresentsa fundamental shift, and a path to mastering challenges that cannot besolvedany other way. The potential is enormous, and we now havethe funding,the governmentvalidation, andthe sitesunder construction to make it real.

Job Summary:

Within the Quantum Algorithms team, we develop and adapt quantum algorithms, identify and scope promising use cases, and analyze their resource requirements. In this role, you will translate computational tasks into abstract quantum-algorithm specifications, analyze their asymptotic performance, and define meaningful problem instances that lie beyond the practical reach of classical computation. You will also work closely with PsiQuantum’s Compilation team to develop explicit implementations of these algorithms and evaluate their resource requirements on our architecture.

In this position, you will be expected not only to conduct outstanding individual research, but also to formulate and lead broader research programs that draw on the work of other researchers and collaborators. You will contribute to cross-team initiatives spanning PsiQuantum’s applications, architecture, and compilation efforts, helping to connect algorithm design with the practical requirements of fault-tolerant quantum computation.

The role will also involve external collaboration. You will have the opportunity to lead projects with industrial and research partners, working with domain experts to identify important computational challenges, formulate them as well-defined problems, and map them to appropriate quantum algorithms. Success in this work requires the ability to communicate across disciplinary boundaries and to move fluently between real-world applications, mathematical abstractions, algorithmic complexity, and implementation-level resource analysis.

The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with scientific leadership, intellectual independence, and a collaborative mindset. They will be comfortable shaping open-ended research directions, assessing the practical significance of algorithmic advances, and guiding projects from the initial identification of an application through to a concrete fault-tolerant quantum algorithm and a detailed resource estimate.

Responsibilities:

• Propose initiatives into research and development of quantum algorithms tailored for fault-tolerant quantum computers; act as primary contributor to research programs beyond the current state of the art in quantum algorithms design.
• Work closely with external partners toinstantiate,validateand optimize quantum algorithms for use cases across a variety of domains, such as life sciences, industry andsustainability.
• Establishfamilies ofbenchmarks and problem instances tovalidatepost-classicality ofquantumalgorithms.
• Guide both the simulation and analysis of resource requirements for fault tolerant implementation of quantum algorithms in photonic quantum computing.

Experience/Qualifications:

• 5+years of research experience (academia or industry) in the field of quantum computing, with focus on algorithms and applications.
• A degree in Physics,Mathor Computer Science or equivalent is required. PhD in Physics,Mathor Computer Science, with a focus on quantum information theory or quantum computationwill be preferred.
• Experience with quantum algorithmsandcompiling in the regime of fault tolerant gatespreferred.
• Experience working with partners in academia or industry to analyze real-world quantum applications of interestpreferred.
• Proven team player with an ability to work effectively across departments,sitesand timezones.
• Ability to work independently and contributetofast-moving start-upenvironment.
• Experience programming in Python,C++or similar languages.

PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.

Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to [e-mail].

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.

The ranges below reflect the target ranges for a new hire base salary.Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to a candidate's qualifications including relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay is only one part of the total compensation package. Full time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Daresbury, United Kingdom

£78,900—£92,900 GBP