QEC Researcher (Quantum Simulations)

Riverlane; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 93,708 - 133,869; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Life insurance

Contributory pension

Equity

28 days annual leave

Learning and conference budgets

Job summary

Riverlane is seeking a QEC Researcher (Quantum Simulation) in Cambridge to develop and apply classical simulation techniques for fault-tolerant quantum computing and QEC. The role spans extending simulation tools and analyzing error channels for non-Clifford QEC circuits, with collaboration across QEC teams including decoding and code design.

You will publish work, participate in conferences, and contribute to software-focused research outputs while collaborating with industrial and academic

Qualifications

• PhD with strong academic performance in a mathematically focused discipline such as physics, theoretical chemistry, mathematics or computer science.
• Curiosity to learn new technical topics and apply skills across quantum error correction and quantum algorithms.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working on quantum simulations, stabilizer tableau simulations and related techniques.
• Experience designing and running numerical simulations.
• Experience conducting research in quantum error correction, either in academia or industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve simulation tools for fault-tolerant quantum computing and quantum error correction.
• Research and implement efficient simulation techniques for Clifford and near-Clifford quantum circuits.
• Design and execute numerical studies to evaluate logical operations, decoder performance, and fault-tolerant protocols.
• Engage in academic research activities, including reading and reviewing literature, journals clubs, writing papers, and presenting at conferences.
• Write code to test scientific ideas and contribute to software-focused outputs and products.
• Lead or contribute to projects involving small, cross-disciplinary teams.
• Collaborate with other Riverlane teams to integrate work with related research areas.
• Build and maintain relationships with partners and collaborators in industry and academia.

Skills

Quantum simulations

Stabilizer tableau

Numerical simulations

Communication skills

Independent & collaborative work

Education

PhD in physics/mathematics/computer science

Job description

Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid

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 important challenges. Riverlane is a leading company 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 accelerate 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. Riverlane is growing fast.

About the role

As a QEC Researcher (Quantum Simulation) at Riverlane, you will work on the development and application of classical simulation techniques for fault-tolerant quantum computing and quantum error correction. The team brings together mathematicians, physicists, and chemists, and works closely with researchers in quantum algorithms and QEC. A core part of the role is contributing to the academic community through publications and conference participation.

This role focuses on enhancing and extending existing simulation tools to support the analysis, validation, and optimisation of quantum error-correction systems. This includes developing simulation capabilities for circuits dominated by Clifford operations, investigating the accuracy, complexity, and limitations of simulation approximations, and enabling large-scale studies of quantum error channels for non-Clifford QEC circuits and decoder performance.

Your work may include optimising quantum circuit compilation for specific QEC primitives, analysing circuits for their effective error channels, and working to improve existing magic state preparation techniques in a hardware informed way.

You’ll collaborate closely with other QEC teams at Riverlane, including those working on logical operations, decoding and QEC code design across different qubit platforms.

What you will do

• Develop and improve simulation tools for fault-tolerant quantum computing and quantum error correction.
• Research and implement efficient simulation techniques for Clifford and near-Clifford quantum circuits.
• Design and execute numerical studies to evaluate logical operations, decoder performance, and fault-tolerant protocols.
• Engage in academic research activities, including reading and reviewing literature, participating in journal clubs, writing papers, and presenting work at conferences.
• Write code to test scientific ideas and contribute to software-focused research outputs and products.
• Lead or contribute to projects involving small, cross-disciplinary teams.
• Collaborate with other teams across Riverlane to integrate your work with related research areas.
• Build and maintain relationships with partners and collaborators in industry and academia.

What we need

• A PhD with strong academic performance in a mathematically focused discipline, such as physics, theoretical chemistry, mathematics or computer science.
• Curiosity and motivation to learn new technical topics and apply skills across quantum error correction and quantum algorithms.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively, sharing progress clearly with colleagues, contributing to technical discussions and problem solving.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working on quantum simulations, especially stabilizer tableau simulations and related techniques.
• Experience designing and running numerical simulations.
• Experience conducting research in quantum error correction, either in academia or industry.

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 and over 20 nationalities.
• A learning environment that encourages growth and development, including a regular programme of learning events and training and conference budgets.

How to apply

Please upload a CV and covering letter by clicking Apply. Your covering letter should explain why you are applying for the job and what skills and experience you can bring to the role.

We review CVs as we receive them and interview as soon as we have applications that look like a good match. We do not use closing dates, so please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

Riverlane is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from candidates regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We welcome applications from women and other underrepresented groups. If you need any adjustments to the application or selection process, please let us know. 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.