Senior Research Scientist, Quantum Error Correction

Lever, Inc.; Los Angeles, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Q-CTRL is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to design and implement quantum algorithms and workflows, centering on quantum error correction research. You will collaborate with research and engineering teams to produce high-impact research and software for our product offerings and external demonstrations.

You will develop solutions for quantum technologies and deploy them in the Q-CTRL product suite, publishing results and contributing to open-source projects.

Qualifications

• PhD required with proven track record in QEC research.
• Expertise in top leading QEC codes (surface, qLDPC).
• Experience in developing software for scientific experiments using Python.

Responsibilities

• Identify architectural bottlenecks for a FTQC and implement efficient methods to solve challenges.
• Research QEC aspects such as decoders, compilation schemes, and computation architectures.
• Stay updated with advances in quantum computing and QEC; apply to develop methodologies.
• Collaborate across research and engineering to translate ideas into production-quality software.
• Publish high-impact papers and present at top conferences.

Skills

QEC research

Decoders

Qiskit / Cirq

Python

Control theory

Machine learning

Publications

Education

PhD in Physics / Engineering / Math / CS

Tools

QEC codes (surface, qLDPC)

Python for scientific computing

FPGAs / ASICs

Job description

About the team

The Quantum Computing Research team is dedicated to developing innovative methods to get the best possible performance from contemporary and next generation quantum computers. We push toward quantum advantage by developing cutting‑edge applications, employing AI, control theory, and physics principles to optimize and automate critical parts of the quantum computing stack. We conduct pioneering research looking toward the near future, including quantum error correction and the integration of quantum computers with high performance computing and data centers.

About the role

At Q-CTRL, we’re pioneering the future of quantum technology. Our research team is 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 (QEC) research. You’ll collaborate closely across research and engineering teams to produce high impact research and publication and to translate scientific advances into high‑impact software solutions.

As a Research Scientist, you’ll be responsible for developing solutions for quantum technologies and deploying them in the Q-CTRL product suite.

What you'll be doing:

• Identify key architectural bottlenecks for a FTQC and implement efficient and reliable methods to solve key challenges facing real quantum computers.
• Conducting 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
• Stay up to date with advances in quantum computing and QEC research, applying this knowledge to develop cutting‑edge methodologies.
• Utilize methods from a range of fields, including control theory, optimization, machine learning, computer science, and data analysis.
• Publishing high‑impact papers and presenting at top conferences
• Collaborate with engineering teams to translate your ideas into production‑quality software.
• Explain and present your work in clear and accessible language. Incorporate feedback and foster effective collaboration with colleagues.
• Use open‑source scientific computing packages like Qiskit, NumPy, Networkx, Scipy, Scikit‑learn, and PyTorch to build high‑quality research code to develop, demonstrate, and test new algorithms and methods.

Ideally you'll have:

• A PhD degree in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Relevant industry or postdoctoral experience in quantum error correction. PhD graduates with proven track record in QEC research will be considered.
• Expertise in top leading QEC codes such as the surface 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 in developing software for scientific experiments using Python.

Skills we also value (one or more is desirable, but not required):

• Experience with high‑performance languages such as Rust or C++.
• 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 or Cirq.
• 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.

Salary

The targeted base salary range for this position is between $150,000 - $225,000 and will ultimately be determined by specific job‑related skills, experience, level, location and other contributing factors. Depending on the position offered, this role may be eligible for annual discretionary bonuses, equity and other forms of compensation outside of the targeted base salary range. For more information on benefits at Q-CTRL, please visit our careers page at https://q-ctrl.com/careers.

Should you have any questions related to the compensation package, please speak directly with the Talent Acquisition representative.

About Q-CTRL

Q-CTRL is the global leader in AI‑powered quantum control infrastructure software. We build the tools that make quantum technology useful, solving the hardest challenges in quantum computing and quantum sensing to deliver real‑world impact.

Founded in 2017, we operate globally with offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Huntsville, Berlin, and Oxford. Our teams bring together technical and multi‑disciplinary expertise across the product lifecycle, and we’re hiring talent to help scale every part of the business. We work quickly to turn cutting‑edge science into deployable technology.

In 2024 we raised US$113 million in Series B funding, the largest aggregate investment for a quantum software company. Six months later we delivered the first commercial quantum advantage with Ironstone Opal, our field‑validated quantum navigation solution for defense and industry.

At Q-CTRL, we prioritize outcomes over hours. We offer flexibility, equity potential, and competitive benefits that reflect our high‑performance culture.

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.

Please be advised that our communications will only come from the @q-ctrl.com domain. All our active job postings are available on our company website.