Research Scientist

About us

We hold the key to making quantum technology useful and operate at the highest levels of the emerging quantum sector. Our products are already revolutionizing the way quantum technology is used; From educating the workforce on how quantum computing works with Black Opal, to the industry-first native integration of our  performance-management software with IBM Quantum services in November 2023, we are building the global quantum sector and defining the quantum infrastructure software segment.  But our work isn’t limited to quantum computing; we go everywhere that quantum goes.  In July 2023 our work with Australian Defence delivering software-ruggedized quantum sensing for navigation without GPS was featured in the New York Times. 

We base these world-leading commercial outcomes on a foundation of transformational research.  We operate the industry’s largest team of experts in quantum control, and push the limits of human capability through our software, hardware, and technical publications in the world’s most prestigious scientific journals.  

As a high-growth global quantum startup we’ve raised US $74M since 2017 from investors such as Airbus Ventures, Horizons Ventures, Main Sequence Ventures, Salesforce Ventures, Sierra Ventures, SquarePeg Capital, and others; this includes the world’s largest Series B for any quantum software company, announced in early 2023. Adding to the completion of our new global HQ in Sydney (Australia’s first fully dedicated, commercial quantum technology site), Los Angeles, and Berlin offices, we’ve also recently announced our expansion into the UK to continue to impact the development of quantum technology globally.

We’re led by our values: to be real, to be trusted, to be just, and to be revered.  We’ve brought together an inspiring team of world-leading physicists, engineers, product and design specialists (to name a few!) to help us shape the future of quantum technology. And we’re looking for new team members who want to help us change the world.

About the role

As a Research Scientist, you’ll be responsible for developing solutions for quantum technologies and deploying them in the Q-CTRL product suite.

• Develop efficient and reliable methods and tools that solve challenges facing real quantum computers.
• Implement and innovate the latest techniques and algorithms from machine learning and quantum control. In particular, you will use these tools for improving the performance of real devices, quantum algorithms, near-term quantum applications, and quantum error correction schemes.
• Collaborate with your colleagues in the Quantum product team and Quantum Professional Services in order to better direct the research goals. 
• Explain and document sophisticated control and machine learning solutions in accessible language.
• Use numerical packages like NumPy, Scipy, Tensorflow, and Scikit-learn to build high-quality research code to develop, test, and demonstrate new algorithms and methods.

• Ideally, you’ll have a PhD in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Expertise in running quantum experiments on silicon-based quantum computers with experience in system characterization and tune-up. 
• You have at least 3 years of experience conducting research and ideally some publications to your name or a presentation track record in recognized academic journals/conferences in a relevant field.
• You have at least 2 years of experience in developing software for scientific experiments using one of the commonly used languages languages like Python, C, Rust, Matlab.
• A keen understanding of Quantum/Optimal control or Machine Learning tools for optimization, optimal selection, and model learning (desirable, but not essential).
• Familiarity in executing circuits in Qiskit is also highly desirable, but not essential.

Why Q-CTRL?

Flexibility: We embrace workplace flexibility so you worry more about your global impact vs a rigid work schedule.

Attractive salary: You’ll get to live the start-up life without start-up wages.

Equity: We want people to have a sense of ownership in what they do and offer the potential for equity share and annual bonuses.

Resources: We are well funded by the world’s best technology investors, letting us chase our ambitions with minimal constraints.

Parental support: We offer paid parental leave to support you and your loved ones!

Diversity: We’re an equal employment opportunity employer. We value diversity, inclusion and providing equal opportunities to all, actively supporting initiatives like the ‘Global Women in Quantum’ program among others. 

Unique culture: You’ll be surrounded by some of the world’s leading physicists, engineers, product, marketing and design people (to name a few!) with a strong desire to learn and transfer knowledge.

Meaningful values: You’ll work with an incredibly supportive team who work consistently to deliver our core values to be real, be trusted, be just and to be revered. 

Personal development: We provide you with a personal development and wellness budget. 

Impactful work: Last but not least! You’ll have the opportunity to work in the world’s leading field of technology and truly make an impact that matters! 

Q-CTRL is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. We are committed to being inclusive in the way we hire. We strongly encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements mentioned in the job posting. 

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Please be advised that our communications will only come from the @q-ctrl.com domain. All our active job postings are available on our company website.

To recruitment agencies, we do not accept unsolicited branded profiles and are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.