Senior Research Scientist, Quantum Compilation

Q-Ctrl • Los Angeles, CA

3d

About The Position

Q-CTRL is seeking a Senior Research Scientist focused on quantum compilation to join its Quantum Computing Research team. The team develops methods to improve the performance of current and next-generation quantum computers and pursues quantum advantage through applications of AI, control theory, and physics. Its research also includes quantum error correction and integration of quantum computers with high-performance computing and data centers.

The role involves developing efficient, reliable methods and tools to improve real quantum computer performance; applying approaches from fields such as control theory, optimization, machine learning, computer science, and data analysis; and writing software to optimize quantum algorithms, applications, and quantum error-correction schemes. The scientist will collaborate with engineering teams to bring research ideas into production-quality software, communicate work clearly, and publish and present research in collaboration with industrial and academic groups. The team uses open-source scientific computing packages including Qiskit, NumPy, NetworkX, SciPy, scikit-learn, and PyTorch.

Q-CTRL describes its research as multidisciplinary and values versatile, self-motivated problem solvers. The company prioritizes outcomes over hours and offers flexibility, equity potential, and competitive benefits. The targeted base salary range is $150,000–$225,000; the position may also be eligible for discretionary annual bonuses, equity, and other compensation.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related discipline; a PhD is preferred, though exceptional candidates with prior industry experience will also be considered.
• Expertise in quantum computing, quantum algorithms, quantum error correction, or quantum control; for this role, expertise in quantum circuit compilation, error mitigation, or quantum error correction is particularly relevant.
• Track record of impactful research demonstrated through publications and/or presentations at well-regarded journals or conferences.
• Experience developing software for scientific experiments using a commonly used language such as Python, Julia, Matlab, or Mathematica; the team primarily uses Python.

Nice To Haves

• Strong background in relevant methods such as control theory, optimization, machine learning, or data analysis.
• Familiarity with quantum-computing error suppression techniques such as dynamical decoupling, readout mitigation, zero-noise extrapolation, Pauli twirling, or pulse-level optimization.
• Familiarity with compiling and executing quantum circuits on platforms such as IBM Quantum or Amazon Braket.
• Experience with high-performance languages such as Rust, C++, or Julia.
• Experience with GPUs, TPUs, or other hardware-accelerated computing.
• Exceptional scientific communication skills, evidenced by teaching, scientific outreach, writing, creating figures and visualizations, and/or speaking to general and expert audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop efficient and reliable methods and tools to improve the performance of real quantum computers.
• Keep informed about advances in quantum computing and quantum control and use them to implement and refine methodologies.
• Apply methods from control theory, optimization, machine learning, computer science, and data analysis.
• Create code to optimize quantum algorithms, applications, and quantum error-correction schemes.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to translate research ideas into production-quality software.
• Explain and present research clearly and accessibly.
• Write articles for peer-reviewed journals, attend and present at conferences, and collaborate with industrial and academic research groups.
• Use open-source scientific computing packages such as Qiskit, NumPy, NetworkX, SciPy, scikit-learn, and PyTorch to develop, demonstrate, and test research code, algorithms, and methods.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements
• Equity potential
• Competitive benefits
• The position may be eligible for annual discretionary bonuses and other forms of compensation outside the targeted base salary range

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior