Quantum Scientist - Algorithms

Xanadu; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Xanadu is seeking a quantum scientist to join a technical team exploring fault‑tolerant quantum algorithms and practical applications across industries. You will push the boundaries of quantum computing through algorithm design, optimization, and collaboration with software, hardware, and business development teams.

Expect to publish, file patents, and present findings while working with industry, government, and academic partners.

Qualifications

• Must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.
• PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline — or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong track record of research accomplishments in quantum computing, evidenced by publications, patents, or technical work.
• Deep knowledge of fundamental concepts in quantum algorithms such as Hamiltonian simulation, Trotter formulas, QSP, LCU, amplitude amplification, quantum phase estimation, and QROM.
• Expertise in computational methods for quantum chemistry and materials science, e.g., active space constructions, coupled cluster, and DMRG.
• Capacity to thrive in an interdisciplinary team and drive independent research when required.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to convey complex ideas to specialists and non‑specialists.
• Strong self‑management skills to balance priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and pioneer innovative quantum algorithms tailored for fault‑tolerant quantum computers.
• Improve algorithm efficiency by minimizing qubit counts, gate complexity, and resource needs.
• Identify high‑value applications in quantum chemistry and materials science.
• Demonstrate feasibility and scalability of new algorithms and applications through resource estimation.
• Collaborate with industry leaders to deliver solutions for real‑world problems.
• Work with compilation and quantum error correction experts to map algorithms to fault‑tolerant architectures.
• Collaborate with PennyLane developers to create state‑of‑the‑art tools for quantum algorithms research.
• Author high‑quality papers, technical reports, and documentation; support IP creation and patent filings.
• Present research findings to strategic partners and at premier conferences and events.

Skills

Quantum algorithms

Computational methods

Scientific programming

Python

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Physics, CS, Chemistry, Math, or Engineering

Tools

Python

Job description

Xanadu’s mission is to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere.

At Xanadu, we are learners, innovators, researchers, collaborators, and problem solvers. We are creating something that has never been built before. What we are doing is extremely hard, the classic moon shot. Few people in their life will be able to be a part of something like this, where if we are successful, the technologies we develop will solve some of the world’s most challenging problems, and literally change the world. That is something to be excited about!

Your role and responsibilities:

As a quantum scientist, you will join a technical team of scientists dedicated to unlocking the real-world impact of fault‑tolerant quantum computers. You will contribute to discovering cutting‑edge quantum algorithms, rigorously optimizing their performance, and identifying valuable applications across a variety of industries. Whether your primary strength is pioneering algorithms or uncovering novel applications, this role thrives at the intersection of both. At Xanadu, this research is conducted alongside industry, government, and academic partners, requiring close collaboration with software, hardware, and business development teams across the company.

In more detail, you will focus deeply on two or more of the following areas:

• Design and pioneer innovative quantum algorithms tailored for fault‑tolerant quantum computers.
• Improve algorithm efficiency by minimizing qubit counts, gate complexity, and overall resource requirements.
• Identify high‑value applications targeted at quantum chemistry and materials science.
• Demonstrate the feasibility and scalability of new algorithms and applications through rigorous resource estimation.
• Collaborate directly with industry leaders to deliver solutions for real‑world problems.
• Work alongside compilation and quantum error correction (QEC) experts to compile quantum algorithms to fault‑tolerant architectures.
• Collaborate with PennyLane software developers to create state‑of‑the‑art tools for quantum algorithms research.

Regardless of your specific focus areas, you will consistently:

• Author high‑quality scientific papers, technical reports, and comprehensive documentation.
• Generate valuable intellectual property and actively support the filing of related patents.
• Present your research findings to strategic partners and at premier conferences and events.

Basic qualifications and experience:

• Must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.
• PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline — or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong track record of research accomplishments in quantum computing, evidenced by publications, patents, or technical work.
• Deep knowledge of fundamental concepts in quantum algorithms, such as Hamiltonian simulation, Trotter product formulas, quantum signal processing, linear combination of unitaries, amplitude amplification, quantum phase estimation, and quantum read‑only memories.
• Expertise in computational methods for quantum chemistry and materials science, for example active space constructions, coupled cluster, and DMRG.
• Capacity to thrive in an interdisciplinary team environment and drive independent research when required.
• Excellent communication skills, with a proven ability to convey complex technical ideas to specialist and non‑specialist audiences.
• Strong self‑management skills to balance individual project priorities, deadlines, and deliverables in a fast‑paced environment.

Preferred qualifications and experience:

• Expertise in spectroscopy simulations, quantum embedding methods, and battery applications.
• Experience collaborating with industry or government partners.
• Strong software development and scientific programming skills in Python, preferably with a proven track record of contributing to open‑source scientific libraries.
• Solid understanding of quantum error correction and fault‑tolerant architectures.
• Knowledge of quantum compilation techniques.

Our values are important. They are fundamental and lay the foundation for culture at Xanadu. Learn more about our values here.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive, safe, and equitable culture and fostering an environment where our employees feel included, valued, and heard. We are committed to meeting the needs of all individuals and support a barrier‑free workplace. Should you require accommodations at any point during the recruitment process please contact Recruiting at [e-mail].

Please be advised that we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the screening and assessment of applicants for this position. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.