Lead Quantum Algorithms Scientist - US

Phasecraft; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

401(k) Plan with matching

Unlimited annual leave

Job summary

Phasecraft is seeking a Lead Quantum Algorithms Scientist to join our Washington DC office. You will guide the US research team, align with the Head of the US office and the senior science group, and drive research on near-term quantum computing algorithms, error mitigation, and hardware benchmarking.

The ideal candidate has a PhD in quantum information or related field, a proven track record of leading independent research, and an extensive publication record.

Qualifications

• PhD in quantum information, quantum computation theory, computer science, physics, or closely related field.
• Proven track record of independently leading research projects.
• Strong publication record in relevant discipline.
• Experience growing and mentoring research teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience securing grant funding or writing grant proposals.
• Flexibility to work across different aspects of quantum software and theory.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of scientists conducting theoretical and applied research on near-term quantum computing algorithms.
• Publish papers, presentations, and patent applications arising from research.
• Manage and develop team members' scientific and professional careers.
• Identify new research directions aligned with Phasecraft's science strategy.
• Foster collaboration within an international team of staff and PhD students.
• Contribute to growth and success of Phasecraft through additional activities.

Skills

Quantum information theory

Quantum computation theory

Leadership

Team mentoring

Research management

Publications

Education

PhD in quantum information

Job description

Phasecraft is the quantum algorithms company. We are building the mathematical foundations for quantum computing applications that solve real-world problems. Founded in 2019 by Toby Cubitt, Ashley Montanaro and John Morton, we are based in London and Bristol in the UK and opened an office in Washington DC in 2024, led by Steve Flammia. In 2013 we completed a $17m Series A funding round led by leading Silicon Valley deep tech VC, Playground Global.

Phasecraft’s unprecedented access to today’s best quantum computers – through partnerships with Google, IBM, Quantinuum and QuEra – provides us with unique opportunities to develop foundational IP, inform the development of next-generation quantum hardware, and accelerate commercialization of high-value breakthroughs.

We are looking to hire a Lead Quantum Algorithms Scientist to join our team in Washington DC. In this newly created role, you will play a key role in guiding and coordinating the US team’s research efforts, working closely with the Head of the US office and the senior science team at Phasecraft. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in leading research direction in the theory of algorithms for gate‑model quantum computers or related topics in quantum computing theory, quantum information theory or related areas of quantum theory. Their work will contribute to Phasecraft’s goal of developing quantum algorithms for near‑term quantum computers, and may encompass topics such as algorithm design, optimization and implementation, quantum error‑correction, resource analysis, error mitigation, and hardware benchmarking. They will have the opportunity to direct and grow a portfolio of research activity across the breadth of Phasecraft’s interests.

Job Description

• Lead and mentor a talented team of scientists undertaking theoretical and/or applied research on near‑term quantum computing algorithms, applications and/or enabling theoretical technologies.
• Lead the team to deliver publications, presentations, patent applications and similar resulting from the research.
• Manage and mentor team members in their scientific and professional career development.
• Identify and drive new research directions ensuring alignment with the company’s overall science strategy.
• Promote an environment of collaboration across a small international team made up of full-time staff and affiliated PhD students.
• Other activities as required to support the growth and success of Phasecraft.

Essential Criteria

• Expertise in quantum information and/or computation theory.
• PhD in quantum information, quantum computation theory, computer science, physics, or closely related field.
• Proven track record of working independently and leading a team on research projects.
• Deep expertise and an excellent publication track‑record in relevant discipline.
• Demonstrable experience in leading multiple complex and collaborative scientific research projects.
• Experience in developing and growing a team of scientists, promoting an appropriate culture for continuous improvement and knowledge exchange.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to disseminate research results to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• A deep understanding of the requirements of different funding sources, and the ability to lead efforts and independently write effective grant applications.
• Flexibility to work across different aspects of quantum software and underpinning theory.
• Flexibility to work on other tasks required to support the growth and success of the company.
• An interest in near‑term quantum computing.

Desirable Criteria

• Either experience of implementing algorithms on quantum hardware and/or in classical emulation, or strong theoretical/mathematical research track‑record with an interest in applying this to quantum computing, or software development skills and experience.
• Enthusiasm for learning and novel research.

Benefits

• The annual compensation range for this role is $150,000 - $210,000, depending on experience.
• Health, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance.
• 401(k) Plan with company matching.
• Unlimited annual leave.