Lead Quantum Error Correction Researcher

Riverlane; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus plan

Private medical insurance

401K contributions

Generous paid time off

Enhanced family leave

Job summary

Riverlane is looking for a Lead Quantum Error Correction (QEC) Researcher based in Boston, MA. This position involves leading high-impact research projects while mentoring a small team in a collaborative environment focused on developing cutting-edge quantum computing technology.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in a relevant field and possess extensive knowledge of QEC. This role offers a competitive salary package and a comprehensive benefits plan including equity, medical coverage, and generous time off.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to undertake high-quality theoretical work with publications.
• Experience driving the direction of scientific or technical research.
• Ability to obtain a US government clearance if required.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-impact research projects and manage a team.
• Push the boundaries of quantum error correction through hands-on research.
• Communicate results clearly through publications and presentations.

Skills

Strong working knowledge of QEC

Collaborative mindset

Strong written and oral communication skills

Experience leading projects

Ability to work independently

Education

PhD in mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field

Tools

Python

C++

Job description

Lead Quantum Error Correction (QEC) Researcher
Boston, MA, US | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid
Salary: $145,000 to $240,000 DOE

About us

Riverlane’smission 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,talentand 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 Lead Quantum Error Correction Researcher at Riverlane, you won’t just research quantum error correction - you’ll help us build it. Your work will help deliver the world’s first QEC stack and unlock useful, scalable quantum computing.

We have a fantastic opportunity to join one of Riverlane’s more science-focused quantum error correction teams, which works to enable large-scale error‑corrected quantum computation. This world‑class, highly collaborative team brings together mathematicians, physicists, computer scientists and software engineers, working side by side on a diverse portfolio of cutting‑edge research projects. In this senior role, you will lead high‑impact research projects and manage a small team within a larger, multidisciplinary group. You’ll balance deep, hands‑on research with technical leadership, mentoring, and strategic direction.

What you will do

As a Lead QEC Researcher at Riverlane, your work will vary, but typical activities may include:

• Pushingthe boundaries ofquantumerrorcorrection (QEC) through hands‑on, high-impact research, while coaching and levellingup researchers in yourteam.
• Owningandleadingmulti‑person projects end to end, working closely with yourteamand cross‑functional partners acrossRiverlane.
• Actively shapingthe direction and priorities of QEC researchinrelevantareasas we scale our technology and roadmap.
• Translatingcutting‑edgeresearch into outcomes that move the company forward, contributing directly toRiverlane’sgoals and strategy.
• Line‑managing, mentoringand supportingmembers of yourteam, helping themto growand take on increasing responsibility.
• Buildingstrongrelationships with external partners, collaborators, and customers, including hardware partners across allqubittypes.
• Helpingdefine and win new projects by contributing to compelling proposals and funding opportunities.
• Sharingknowledge and collaboratingacross teams to rapidly advanceour products.
• Writing andreviewing codefor ourinternal and open‑source codebases.
• Communicatingresults clearly and decisively through publications, talks, and presentations at leading conferences and workshops.

What we need

• PhD in mathematics, physics, computer science, or a related technical field (or equivalent professional experience)
• Proven ability to undertake high‑quality theoretical work (for example, through publications)
• Experience driving the direction of scientific or technical research
• Experience leading projects involving multiple people
• A collaborative mindset with experience in guiding and mentoring less‑experienced colleagues
• Strong, working knowledge of QEC
• 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 way
• Ability to obtain a US gov clearance if required.

Even better if you have…

• Experience undertakingor leadingQEC research,evidencedby scientific publications
• Knowledge ofqLDPCcodes
• Understanding ofone or more qubit modalities
• Experience leading a group of researchers working across multiple projects, balancing competing priorities
• Knowledge of Python and/or C++
• A track recordof winning contracts or grants

What can you expect from us

• A comprehensive benefits package that includes an annual bonus plan, private medical insurance, life insurance, and 401K contributions
• Equity, so that our team can share in the long‑term success of Riverlane
• Generous paid time off 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 math) and over 20 different nationalities
• A learning environment that encourages individual, team and company growth and development, including a regular program of learning events and training and conference budgets

Everyone is welcome at Riverlane. We are an equal opportunity 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.

GDPR notice: Riverlane collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a European Job Applicant see the privacy notice for further details.

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