QEC and Algorithms Scientist

This role will involve working with in-house software engineers to automate the algorithms compilation process, primarily through the Python-based ecosystem of quantum software libraries. This is therefore a rare and exciting opportunity to be an early employee at a start-up shaping the future of quantum computing. Being a small team and having a flat structure, this is a great opportunity to contribute to new developments within the field. There are multiple opportunities for professional growth and to make impacts within the company.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop processes to map high-level quantum algorithms to a hardware-compatible instruction set to realise fault-tolerant computation.
• Understand the trade-offs 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.

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. Candidates should have experience working with the surface code and the use of factories to produce resource states. This role does not require prior understanding of Quantum Motion's silicon-spin hardware platform, with knowledge expected to develop on the job while working with other researchers in the team. This role will provide a critical interface between applications and hardware development at Quantum Motion, allowing us to identify algorithms that are compatible with future iterations of our hardware.

Qualifications include:

• 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.

Additional considerations:

• Prior work or expertise relating to emerging 'good quantum LDPC' codes, their decoders, etc.
• An understanding of silicon-spin hardware systems is a bonus.
• Strong candidates without this experience are encouraged to apply, with knowledge expected to develop as part of the job.
• 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.