Quantum Architect - Linear Optics

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:

Quantum architects drive research and development of photonic quantum computing architectures, from entanglement generation through to encoded logic and error correction. Quantum architects in the Linear Optics group work primarily on quantum optical primitives for generating, measuring and routing photonic entanglement, working closely with engineers to implement and simulate these approaches to evaluate their performance. This development is highly integrated with the full architecture development, from optical architecture to algorithms and applications.

Candidates should have a strong background in quantum computing, with experience in some of the following areas: linear optical quantum computing, error modelling, quantum information of photonic states and optical switching networks. Competence in programming using Python (or similar) and experience with collaborative software development is desirable.  

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop new quantum optical protocols for generating, measuring & distributing entangled states.
• Model the origin and propagation of errors.  
• Simulating and benchmarking different protocols. 
• Co-develop the architecture in collaboration with the wider team, communicating results.  

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 computing or quantum information.
• Knowledge of quantum information and quantum optics required. Familiarity with linear optical quantum computing, error modelling, quantum networks, quantum graph states, quantum error-correcting codes, graphical calculus (e.g., tensor networks, ZX calculus) strongly preferred.
• Proven team player with an ability to work effectively across departments, sites, and time zones.
• Ability to work independently and contribute in fast-moving start-up environment.
• Experience programming in Python, C++ or similar languages is desirable.
• Competent use of collaborative software development tools (e.g., GitHub) is desirable.

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.

Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to recruiting@psiquantum.com.

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.