QEC Researcher (Frontier) in Cambridge

Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid

Salary: £50,000 to £85,000 DOE

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.

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, such 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

As a QEC Researcher on our Frontier team, you will help us develop the world’s first QEC stack that will unlock useful quantum computing. The Frontier team sits at the intersection of science and engineering, spending roughly equal time on research and software development, with a particular focus on the QEC decoder and compiler stack. You will join a small, tight-knit team of scientists and engineers. The team works closely with Riverlane's research and development teams, so collaboration is central to how the work gets done. Prior knowledge of quantum computing or quantum error correction is useful but not essential as we will support you in building that knowledge on the job. Collaborating extensively with other teams within Riverlane, as well as with world-leading external partners, this critical work will directly contribute to Deltaflow, Riverlane’s real-time QEC system.

What you will do

• Work closely with the team to test and evaluate potential solutions for the QEC decoder and help convert early-stage research concepts into production-ready implementation.
• Build practical QEC expertise alongside experienced team members, developing both scientific and software engineering skills, with the opportunity to shape your career toward research or engineering as your interests develop.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to propose and optimise QEC protocols and experiments.
• Write clean, well-structured code to test scientific ideas and contribute to the compiler and broader QEC software stack.
• Write papers and present work at conferences.

What we need

• An undergraduate degree in Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science (or a closely related field).
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to take an ambiguous or loosely defined problem and work through it methodically.
• Knowledge of at least one programming language (Python or C++ preferred).
• Experience with collaborative software development practices, including version control (e.g. GitHub).
• A genuine eagerness to learn. You pick up new concepts quickly and are comfortable being learning on the job.
• A collaborative working style, where you are comfortable asking questions, sharing work in progress, and building on others’ ideas.

Even better if you have

• Exposure to compilers, quantum error correction or quantum computing.
• Strong fundamentals in computer science and software engineering.

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.

If you have any queries, please contact jobs@riverlane.com.

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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