Senior Quantum Theorist, Atomic Physics Focus

Cantos Ventures; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Unlimited PTO

401K company matching

Disability insurance

Dependent care benefits

Life insurance

Free drinks, snacks, and catered team)

Job summary

Atom Computing, based in Berkeley, CA, seeks a Senior Quantum Theorist to lead theoretical and computational work advancing neutral-atom quantum computers. You will model system behavior, improve calibration, and guide team direction alongside experimental efforts.

You will mentor junior theorists, collaborate across AMO Theory, Quantum Engineering, and QEC teams, and contribute high-quality code in Python, Julia, or C++. The role reports to the Quantum Theory Manager in Applications & Theory.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 5+ years of post-PhD experience in research or the quantum industry.
• Extensive experience with scientific, high-performance, or quantum computing.

Responsibilities

• Lead independent and collaborative theoretical and computational projects that drive understanding and development of neutral atom quantum computers.
• Drive the development and architecture of atomic physics simulations, translating them into high-quality, maintainable software solutions.
• Identify and propose new research directions, tools, or methods — including AI-assisted approaches — that accelerate the team's theoretical and computational work.
• Collaborate with Quantum Engineering, QEC Theory, and AMO Theory teams to model experimental results and inform design.
• Mentor junior AMO Theorists and help set best practices for theoretical and computational work.
• Write clean, well-tested, and documented code in multiple languages (Python, Julia, or C++).

Skills

Atomic physics

Rydberg atoms modeling

Research leadership

Communication skills

AI in research

Python

Julia

C++

Education

PhD in Physics / related field

Tools

GitHub

Version control

CI/CD

High-Performance Computing

Job description

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a talented team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.

We are seeking a Senior Quantum Theorist to play a leading role in developing the next generation of our neutral atom quantum computers. You will work closely with theorists and experimentalists to model system behavior, improve calibration methods, characterize machine performance, and identify opportunities to advance system capabilities.

In addition to contributing technically, you will help set technical direction and mentor junior team members. You will join a team of experts in atomic physics and quantum error correction whose work informs future system design and supports experimental development.

This role is based in our Berkeley, CA office and reports to the Quantum Theory Manager within Atom Computing’s Applications & Theory department.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead independent and collaborative theoretical and computational projects that drive the understanding and development of neutral atom quantum computers.
• Drive the development and architecture of atomic physics simulations, translating them into high-quality, maintainable software solutions.
• Identify and propose new research directions, tools, or methods — including AI-assisted approaches — that accelerate the team's theoretical and computational work.
• Collaborate with and provide technical guidance to Quantum Engineering, QEC Theory, and AMO Theory teams to model experimental results, develop noise models for quantum hardware, and inform design of neutral-atom quantum computers.
• Mentor junior AMO Theorists and help set best practices for theoretical and computational work across the team.
• Write clean, well-tested, and documented code in multiple languages (preferably Python, Julia, or C++).

Experience & Education

• PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years of post-PhD experience in research or the quantum industry.
• Extensive experience with scientific, high-performance, or quantum computing.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of atomic, molecular and optical physics. Experience working with or modeling of Rydberg atoms is particularly appreciated.
• Demonstrated track record of independent research leadership, with a strong publication record within their field of research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Familiarity with modern software development practices: version control, unit testing, continuous integration, and documentation as well as public examples of past work that demonstrate coding quality and project delivery (e.g. via GitHub or equivalent).
• Experience with, or strong interest in, applying AI tools (e.g. LLMs, ML-based modeling or optimization methods) to accelerate research and engineering workflows.
• Temperamentally suited to work at a fast-growing startup: self-motivated, humble, driven, and collaborative, with a high tolerance for ambiguity.

Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance. We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!

The base salary range for this position is between $185,000 - $210,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.

185000 - 210000 USD a year