Senior Scientist, Quantum Compilation

Q-CTRL • Los Angeles, CA

2d • $150,000 - $225,000

About The Position

Q-CTRL is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to focus on quantum compilation as part of its Quantum Computing Research team. The team develops methods to improve the performance of contemporary and next-generation quantum computers and researches quantum advantage, quantum error correction, and integration of quantum computers with high-performance computing and data centers.

The role develops efficient and reliable methods and tools to improve real quantum-computer performance, drawing on quantum computing and quantum control research and methods from control theory, optimization, machine learning, computer science, and data analysis. The scientist will create code to optimize quantum algorithms, applications, and quantum error-correction schemes; collaborate with engineering teams to turn research ideas into production-quality software; and communicate and publish research through articles, presentations, conferences, and collaboration with industrial and academic research groups. The work uses open-source scientific computing packages including Qiskit, NumPy, NetworkX, SciPy, Scikit-learn, and PyTorch.

Q-CTRL describes its culture as multidisciplinary and outcome-focused, valuing versatile, self-motivated problem solvers. The role offers flexibility, equity potential, competitive benefits, and may be eligible for annual discretionary bonuses, equity, and other compensation outside the base salary range. The targeted base salary is $150,000–$225,000, determined by job-related skills, experience, level, location, and other factors.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related discipline; a PhD is preferred, but exceptional individuals with previous 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 sought.
• Track record of impactful research demonstrated through publications and/or presentations in well-regarded journals and/or conferences.
• Experience developing software for scientific experiments using a commonly used language such as Python, Julia, Matlab, or Mathematica.

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, producing 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.
• Stay 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 to develop, demonstrate, and test research code, including Qiskit, NumPy, NetworkX, SciPy, Scikit-learn, and PyTorch.

Benefits

• Flexibility
• Equity potential
• Competitive benefits
• Potential eligibility for annual discretionary bonuses, equity, and other forms of compensation outside the targeted base salary range

What This Job Offers

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