QEC and Algorithms Scientist in London

Quantum Motion is a fast-growing quantum computing scale-up based in London founded by internationally renowned researchers from UCL and Oxford University with over 40 years’ experience in developing qubits and quantum computing architectures. We are developing quantum processors based on industrial-grade silicon chips, with the potential to radically transform computing power in areas such as materials modelling, medicine, artificial intelligence and more.

This role focuses upon tailoring high-level quantum algorithms to run on our hardware. Successful candidates will be familiar with the established toolset of quantum algorithms and understand the compilation tools required to map circuits to a target gate set. With consideration of various quantum error correction schemes and the specifics of Quantum Motion hardware, you will research and develop processes to run circuits on target architectures while monitoring the resources consumed.

Functions of the Role:

• Develop processes to map high-level quantum algorithms to a hardware-compatible instruction set to realise fault-tolerant computation.
• Understand the tradeoffs between various quantum error correction tools and identify the best choice.
• Be familiar with architecture-level requirements and capabilities and factor them into the algorithm-to-hardware breakdown.
• Carefully account for the resources required to run a target algorithm, including the number of qubits and the runtime.
• Work with other researchers at the company to identify new directions and communicate constraints of existing approaches.
• Work with software engineers at the company to automate parts of the process.
• Present research results at internal and external meetings and events.

Experience - Essentials:

• Top tier education and PhD in physics, maths, computer science, or a related discipline.
• Track record of research into quantum computing, including work on applications and algorithms, architectures, or quantum error correction.
• Knowledge of commonly-used algorithmic techniques, such as quantum phase estimation, block encodings, amplitude amplification, etc.
• Familiarity with common error correction techniques, including surface codes and magic state distillation.
• Experience with writing up results in reports or scientific journals.
• Ability to clearly present scientific work to both technical and non-technical audiences, and an enthusiasm to travel for conferences and other events.
• Familiarity with using Python for research and development.
• Strong collaborative mindset with good communication and interpersonal skills.
• An inquisitive nature and logical approach to problem solving.
• A passion for tackling big challenges and, in particular, for developing quantum computers.

Experience - Desirable:

• Prior work or expertise relating to emerging “good quantum LDPC” codes, their decoders, etc.
• An understanding of silicon-spin hardware systems is a bonus.
• Examples of previous work compiling quantum algorithms to a target architecture, including an accounting of the resources required.
• Prior experience working in the quantum computing industry or in a startup environment.
• Proficiency with quantum software tools such as qualtran, Qiskit, QuEST, or PennyLane.
• Use of quantum intermediate representations such as QASM or QIR.
• Experience of optimising and running software scripts on HPC resources, including the use of GPUs.

Benefits:

• Be part of a creative, world-leading team
• Competitive salary and share options scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Group private medical insurance scheme
• Life Assurance
• Cycle-to-work Scheme
• Central London location

Quantum Motion is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate based on age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, colour, religion, disability status, marital status, pregnancy, gender reassignment or any other protected characteristics covered by the Equality Act 2010.