Senior Quantum Error Correction Researcher – Decoding Algorithms Cambridge, UK

Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid

Salary: £72,000 to £140,000, DOE + Bonus + Benefits

The salary range for this role is broad, as we are able to consider varying levels of experience. Any offer made will carefully take into account level of experience (including relevant industry experience), transferable relevant skills and previous relevant achievements. We will also consider part‑time applications for this role. Please indicate your preferred working schedule in your cover letter.

About us

Riverlane’s mission is to master quantum error correction (QEC) and unlock a new age of human progress. From advances in material and climate science, to complex chemistry simulation for new drug design, quantum computers will help humanity solve some of its most important challenges. But without QEC, the industry’s defining technical challenge, these breakthroughs can never be achieved. Riverlane is the world leader in QEC technology. QEC is a complex problem that requires a range of skills, talent and passion.

Having raised more than $125M in funding to date to accelerate our cutting‑edge R&D in quantum error correction (QEC), Riverlane partners with many of the world’s leading quantum hardware providers and government agencies to make fault‑tolerant quantum computing a reality. We’re making remarkable progress and growing fast.

About the role

We have a fantastic opportunity to join our decoding and algorithms team as a Senior Quantum Decoding Algorithms Researcher. In this role, you will work on the design, implementation, and optimisation of decoding algorithms for quantum error correction, while leveraging ideas and techniques from classical error correction, signal processing, and probabilistic inference. You will collaborate closely with quantum hardware teams, software engineers, and researchers to develop practical, high‑performance decoders that operate under real‑world constraints such as latency, noise bias, and hardware‑specific error models.

This position is open to candidates from both quantum and classical error‑correction backgrounds. If you have experience building or analysing classical codes and decoders – such as LDPC, turbo, polar, belief propagation, or related algorithms – and are excited to apply these ideas in the quantum domain, we strongly encourage you to apply. You will be supported in developing quantum‑specific knowledge as part of the role. This position is well suited to someone who enjoys combining theory with implementation, and who wants to see their research translated into real systems.

What you will do

• Learn and develop a deep understanding of quantum error correction and quantum noise models
• Design, analyse, and implement decoding algorithms for quantum error‑correcting codes
• Adapt and extend classical decoding techniques (for example belief propagation, message passing, or graph‑based methods) for quantum applications
• Optimise decoders for performance, accuracy, and hardware constraints such as low latency and limited classical compute resources
• Share knowledge across teams and contribute to the broader decoding and QEC software stack
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed venues and present work at conferences and workshops
• Lead and mentor more junior colleagues

What we need

• PhD in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent professional experience)
• Experience with classical error correction or decoding algorithms (for example LDPC, turbo codes, polar codes, belief propagation, Viterbi, or related methods)
• Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or similar scientific computing languages
• Experience publishing scientific research or contributing to open‑source scientific software
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Experience driving the direction of scientific or technical research
• Experience leading projects involving multiple people
• A collaborative mindset with experience in guiding and mentoring less‑experienced colleagues
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex ideas to technical and non‑technical audiences
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a strong desire to learn new technical domains
• Prior experience working on quantum error correction or quantum computing
• Familiarity with stabilizer codes, surface codes, or quantum LDPC codes
• Experience working with noisy experimental data or hardware‑in‑the‑loop systems
• Background in high‑performance computing, GPU acceleration, or real‑time systems

What can you expect from us

• A comprehensive benefits package that includes an annual bonus plan, private medical insurance, life insurance, and a contributory pension scheme
• Equity, so that our team can share in the long‑term success of Riverlane
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave
• A diverse work environment that brings together experts in many fields (including software and hardware development, quantum information theory, physics and maths) and over 20 different nationalities
• A learning environment that encourages individual, team and company growth and development, including a regular programme of learning events and training and conference budgets

How to apply

Please upload a CV and covering letter by clicking ‘Apply’. Your covering letter should explain why you are applying for the job and what skills and experience you can bring to the role. We review CVs as we receive them and interview as soon as we have applications that look like a good match. We do not use closing dates. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this role.

Everyone is welcome at Riverlane. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from eligible and suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender reassignment, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity/paternity. Women and other underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a role unless they meet all or nearly all of the requirements. If this applies to you, we still encourage you to apply – you may be a great fit, even if you don’t meet every single qualification. We’d love to hear from you.

If you need any adjustments made to the application or selection process so you can do your best, please let us know. We will be happy to help.

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