Quantum Error Correction Researcher (Decoding Algorithms) in Cambridge

Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid

Salary: £60,000 to £70,000, DOE + Bonus + Benefits

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, 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

We have a fantastic opportunity to join our decoding and algorithms team as a 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 intentionally 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 role 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

What We Need

• Master’s degree or PhD in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent professional experience)
• Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or similar scientific computing languages
• Experience with algorithms for error correction, probabilistic inference, graph algorithms, or optimisation (quantum or classical)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas to technical and non-technical audiences
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a strong desire to learn new technical domains

Even better if you have

• Experience with classical error correction or decoding algorithms (for example LDPC, turbo codes, polar codes, belief propagation, Viterbi, or related methods)
• 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
• Experience publishing scientific research or contributing to open-source scientific software

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...