Principal Quantum Scientist

Work in Ottawa • Ottawa, ON

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Q-Block Computing is seeking a Principal Quantum Scientist to define the scientific identity and long-range research program of Q-Block Computing Research. This role involves setting the direction for frontier experimental and theoretical work in quantum information science, AMO physics, quantum metrology, and related foundational domains. The ideal candidate is a scientist of the highest caliber with original, recognized contributions to quantum physics, possessing the range and vision to define a multi-year research agenda. This position is for someone who finds meaning in the pursuit of deep scientific truth over routine execution of established programs. Q-Block Computing Research offers an environment with deep engineering infrastructure, institutional conviction behind long-horizon science, and the freedom to ask large questions, free from the administrative and performative burdens often found in contemporary research. The focus is on building and understanding, with commercial programs structured to fund fundamental work. Unlike academic institutions, Q-Block Computing Research allows for research horizons measured in years and decades, free from teaching loads, committee service, and tenure clock pressures. The scientific infrastructure is also distinct, with access to a sustainable engineering organization that builds advanced components like ultrastable lasers and quantum-limited photodetectors, enabling experiments to be built much faster than in a typical university lab. The culture emphasizes radical honesty about the state of knowledge, uncertainty, and failures.

Requirements

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field, with a research focus in experimental or theoretical quantum physics.
• Outstanding research record demonstrating original scientific contributions of recognized significance.
• 10+ years of substantive research experience in quantum physics, including significant independent research leadership at the level of a principal investigator, group leader, senior staff scientist, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to define multi-year research programs, manage scientific uncertainty honestly, and build and develop scientific teams.
• The intellectual honesty, scientific humility, and personal conviction to pursue difficult questions on long time horizons.

Nice To Haves

• Experience at the frontier of neutral-atom quantum computing, quantum error correction, optical lattice clocks, entanglement-based sensing, or quantum network science.
• Track record of translating fundamental science into new experimental capabilities, instruments, or technology concepts that influenced subsequent research or development efforts.
• Experience building or leading a research group, mentoring PhD students or postdoctoral researchers, or developing a scientific culture at an organization.
• Familiarity with Canadian or allied government research programs, national laboratory ecosystems, or defense-adjacent fundamental science programs is an asset.
• Record of scientific communication at the highest level: invited talks, review articles, influential preprints, or other evidence of scientific leadership beyond one's immediate group.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the long-range scientific program of Q-Block Computing Research, including research agendas in quantum computation, quantum sensing and metrology, quantum communication, and foundational quantum physics relevant to our technical vision.
• Serve as one of the company's senior scientific voices: set standards for experimental rigor, theoretical depth, and honest scientific communication across all research activities.
• Lead flagship research programs, including work on neutral-atom quantum systems, fault-tolerant quantum architectures, quantum metrology, and the development of new experimental probes and quantum-enabled instruments.
• Mentor and develop the scientific staff in your research group within Q-Block Computing Research, including senior scientists; establish a research culture characterized by intellectual honesty, experimental courage, and patient ambition.
• Connect fundamental research to Q-Block's technology development programs — including PolarisQ, AllanQ, and LuciaQ — in ways that enrich both the science and the capability, without sacrificing the primacy of foundational inquiry.
• Lead and contribute to the development of major research programs and long-term scientific collaborations with leading universities, national laboratories, and government research agencies.
• Represent Q-Block Computing Research externally through publications, conference participation, scientific advisory roles, and scientific community engagement.

Benefits

• Deep engineering infrastructure
• Institutional conviction behind long-horizon science
• Freedom to ask questions that are larger than a grant cycle
• Environment free from administrative and performative burdens
• Commercial programs deliberately structured to fund and amplify fundamental work rather than crowd it out.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree