Research Scientist – Quantum Algorithm Implementation - 749 in Cambridge

We are seeking a Research Scientist in Quantum Algorithms Implementation to join the Guppy-Algorithms team within Quantinuum’s Applications organisation. This role focuses on advancing the theory and implementation of quantum algorithms for Hamiltonian simulation and quantum linear algebra, with particular emphasis on block-encoding frameworks, Trotterisation techniques, and modern approaches such as Quantum Singular Value Transformation (QSVT).

The guppy‑algorithms team operates at the intersection of quantum algorithm research and production‑grade software engineering, with the goal of closing the gap between theoretical algorithm design and real quantum hardware execution. Our mission is to develop generalisable, hardware‑aware quantum circuit primitives that enable scalable algorithm development across Quantinuum’s application teams, including chemistry, materials science, and quantum simulation.

As a member of this team, you will conduct original research in quantum algorithms, exploring new circuit constructions for Hamiltonian simulation and related problems. A central goal of the role is to take ideas that are often studied at a purely theoretical level and develop concrete implementations in guppy (Quantinuum’s quantum software language) that can ultimately be executed on real quantum devices. This includes translating algorithmic advances into high‑quality implementations within the guppy‑algorithms library, providing reusable building blocks for algorithm development across the organisation.

The role also provides the opportunity to shape how quantum algorithms interact with the full quantum computing stack. You will investigate how logical‑level circuit primitives behave in the presence of quantum error correction, how they interact with different hardware architectures, and how they compile through the various layers of Quantinuum’s stack. By working closely with teams developing error‑correction frameworks, compilers, and hardware systems, you will help ensure that new algorithmic ideas move beyond theoretical proposals and become practical implementations on emerging fault‑tolerant quantum computers.

• Hamiltonian simulation, including Trotterisation and product‑formula methods
• Block‑encoding frameworks for quantum linear algebra
• Quantum Singular Value Transformation (QSVT) and related techniques
• First‑quantised quantum simulation using quantum arithmetic
• Exploiting symmetry and structure in Hamiltonians to reduce algorithmic complexity using methods such as the Quantum Schur Transform
• Development of fault‑tolerant logical circuit primitives for scalable quantum algorithms

• Conduct quantum algorithm research focused on Hamiltonian simulation and quantum linear algebra.
• Develop new methods for block‑encoding, Trotterisation, and related circuit constructions in Quantinuum’s software stack.
• Implement algorithmic primitives and subroutines in Guppylang, contributing to the guppy‑algorithms repository.
• Translate theoretical advances into robust, reusable software components that support algorithm development across Quantinuum.
• Collaborate with error‑correction, compiler, and hardware teams to optimise circuits for real quantum hardware.
• Work with internal application teams (e.g., chemistry and quantum algorithms) to support the development of new simulation methods.
• Contribute to research publications arising from the team’s work.

• PhD in Quantum Computing, Quantum Algorithms, Quantum Physics, Quantum Chemistry or a related discipline.
• Strong research background in quantum algorithms, particularly Hamiltonian simulation or quantum linear algebra.
• Familiarity with Trotterisation, block‑encoding techniques, QSVT, or related frameworks.
• Experience implementing quantum algorithms using frameworks such as guppylang, PyTKET, Qiskit, Cirq, or similar.
• Strong Python programming skills.
• Experience contributing to scientific software.

• Familiarity with phase estimation and quantum simulation algorithms used in chemistry or materials science.
• Knowledge of representation theory algorithms in quantum computing such as the Quantum Schur Transform.
• Experience with git, testing and CI pipelines.
• Interest in quantum programming languages, compilers, or resource estimation tools.
• Rust programming experience.

Working alongside a highly talented team, with leading names in the quantum computing industry. We offer a highly competitive package, equity, 28 days of paid holiday (in addition to public holidays), a workplace pension, a positive approach to flexible working and enhanced parental and adoption benefits.

About Us: Quantinuum is the world leader in quantum computing. The company’s quantum systems deliver the highest performance across all industry benchmarks. Quantinuum’s over 650 employees, including 400+ scientists and engineers, across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, are driving the quantum computing revolution. By uniting best‑in‑class software with high‑fidelity hardware, our integrated full‑stack approach is accelerating the path to practical quantum computing and scaling its impact across multiple industries.

By joining Quantinuum, you’ll be at the forefront of this transformative revolution, shaping the future of quantum computing, pushing the limits of technology, and making the impossible possible.

Please note that employment with us is subject to successfully passing our pre‑employment screening checks. We are an inclusive equal opportunity employer. You will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analysing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.