Quantum Algorithms Researcher (Chemistry/Materials Science)

We believe quantum computing will change everything.  It will have the power to transform the foundations of giant industries that rely on intensive computation.  PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the world’s first useful quantum computer, capable of delivering these transformative results.  We know that means it will need 1 million qubits, error correction, a scalable architecture and a data center footprint.

By harnessing the laws of quantum physics, quantum computers can provide exponential performance increases over today’s most powerful supercomputers, offering the potential for extraordinary advances across a broad range of industries including climate, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials design, and many more. 

PsiQuantum is uniquely positioned to deliver on the promise of quantum computing years earlier than our competitors. Our architecture is based on photonics which gives us the ability to produce our components using existing high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, the same processes that are today producing billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics applications. Since photons don’t feel heat, we can take advantage of existing cryogenic cooling systems, the kind that have been operating at facilities like the Stanford Linear Accelerator (SLAC).  And because photons are in fact light, they can move between subsystems at tremendous speed using standard fiber connectivity.

Our team is building a utility scale quantum computer and the software tools needed to build fault tolerant quantum applications. We’re a highly motivated and collaborative group focused on a singular goal - building the world’s first useful quantum computer on the fastest path possible. 

There’s much more work to be done and we are looking for exceptional talent to join us on this extraordinary journey! 

Job Summary:

Members of PsiQuantum’s Quantum Applications team lead research and development of quantum algorithms and drive collaborations to apply these algorithms to real-world computational challenges. Our team is fully dedicated to algorithms in the fault-tolerant regime and is deeply integrated with quantum architecture development.

This role is specifically focused on developing fault-tolerant quantum algorithms for chemistry and materials science. We are seeking a talented researcher who can translate computational tasks into abstract quantum algorithm specifications, analyze their asymptotic performance, define post-classical problem instances, and collaborate with the compilation team to develop concrete implementations.

Responsibilities:

• Research and development of quantum algorithms tailored for fault-tolerant quantum computers.
• Work closely with external partners to instantiate, validate and optimize quantum algorithms for use cases across a variety of domains, such as life sciences or sustainability.
• Establish benchmarks and problem instances to validate post-classicality of quantum algorithms.
• Simulation and analysis of resource requirements for fault tolerant implementation of quantum algorithms in photonic quantum computing.
• Collaborate with quantum architecture group to co-optimize algorithm methods with architectural design.

Experience/Qualifications:

• Degree in Physics, Math or Computer Science or equivalent required. PhD in Physics, Math or Computer Science, with a focus on quantum information theory or quantum computation preferred.
• 3+ years of relevant academic or industry research experience in quantum algorithms, quantum applications or quantum circuit compilation strongly preferred.
• Experience with quantum algorithms and compiling in the regime of fault tolerant gates preferred.
• Experience working with partners in academia or industry to analyze real-world quantum applications of interest preferred.
• Proven team player with an ability to work effectively across departments, sites and time zones.
• Ability to work independently and contribute to fast-moving start-up environment.
• Experience programming in Python, C++ or similar languages.

PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.

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