Senior Research Scientist, Quantum Error Correction

Skydrop; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Skydrop is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to design quantum algorithms and QEC workflows that underpin product offerings and external demonstrations. You will collaborate with research and engineering teams to produce high‑impact research, publications, and to translate advances into production‑quality software.

Lead efforts in surface code and qLDPC codes, develop decoders, and optimize architectures using Python, Rust, C++, or Julia.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Postdoctoral or industry experience in quantum error correction (QEC).
• Expertise in leading QEC codes such as surface code and qLDPC codes.
• Experience with decoders, compilation, and computation architectures.
• A track record of impactful research with publications/presentations.
• Experience developing software for scientific experiments using Python.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement efficient methods to solve challenges facing real quantum computers.
• Stay up to date with advances in quantum computing and QEC; apply knowledge to develop new methodologies.
• Conduct innovative QEC research: decoders, compilation schemes, architectures, and optimization of logical operations.
• Publish high‑impact papers and present at top conferences; translate ideas into production‑quality software.
• Collaborate with engineers to translate research into demonstrations and scalable software.
• Communicate work clearly, incorporating feedback and fostering collaboration.

Skills

Python

Rust

C++

Julia

Control theory

Optimization

Machine learning

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Physics/Engineering/Math/CS

Tools

Stim

Qiskit

NumPy

SciPy

Scikit-learn

PyTorch

NetworkX

Job description

We are seeking a Senior Research Scientist to design and implement quantum algorithms and workflows that underpin our product offerings and external demonstrations. This role centers around quantum error correction research, collaborating closely with research and engineering teams to produce high‑impact research, publications, and to translate scientific advances into high‑impact software solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement efficient and reliable methods to solve key challenges facing real quantum computers.
• Stay up to date with advances in quantum computing and QEC research and apply this knowledge to develop cutting‑edge methodologies.
• Conduct innovative research on aspects of QEC, such as— but not limited to:
  • designing and optimizing decoders
  • developing compilation schemes and computation architectures for FTQC
  • optimizing logical operation schemes
  • using QEC primitives to boost near‑term applications
  • utilizing methods from control theory, optimization, machine learning, computer science, and data analysis.
  • publishing high‑impact papers and presenting at top conferences.
  • collaborating with engineering teams to translate ideas into production‑quality software.
  • explaining and presenting work in clear and accessible language, incorporating feedback and fostering effective collaboration with colleagues.
  • using open‑source scientific computing packages such as Stim, Qiskit, NumPy, Networkx, Scipy, Scikit‑learn, and PyTorch to build high‑quality research code to develop, demonstrate, and test new algorithms and methods.

Qualifications (Ideal)

• A PhD in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Relevant industry or postdoctoral experience in quantum error correction. PhD graduates with a proven track record in QEC research will be considered.
• Expertise in leading QEC codes such as the surface code and qLDPC codes.
• Expertise in one or more of the following: decoders, compilation, computation architectures.
• A track record of conducting impactful research, demonstrated through publications and/or presentations in well‑regarded journals and/or conferences.
• Experience developing software for scientific experiments using Python.

Additional Skills and Experience We Value

• Experience with high‑performance languages such as Rust, C++, or Julia.
• A strong background in relevant methods from fields such as control theory, optimization, machine learning, or data analysis.
• Familiarity with error suppression techniques used in quantum computing, such as dynamical decoupling, readout mitigation, zero‑noise extrapolation, Pauli twirling, or pulse‑level optimization.
• Familiarity with executing circuits in Qiskit.
• Exceptional scientific communication skills, evidenced by a track‑record of teaching, scientific outreach, writing, and/or speaking in front of both general and expert audiences.
• Familiarity with hardware such as FPGAs or ASICs.
• A track record of winning contracts or grants.

We particularly value versatile and self‑motivated problem solvers. If you are passionate about making quantum computers useful, we strongly encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements listed above.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.