Senior Quantum Theorist, Neutral-Atom Computers

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

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.