Senior QEC Researcher
Delft, NL | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid
Salary: €70,000 to €90,000 DOE
The salary range for this role is broad, as we are able to consider varying levels of experience. Any offer made will carefully take into account level of experience (including relevant industry experience), transferable relevant skills and previous relevant achievements.
About us
Riverlane’s mission is to master quantum error correction (QEC) and unlock a new age of human progress. From advances in material and climate science to complex chemistry simulation for new drug design, quantum computers will help humanity solve some of its most important challenges. But without QEC, the industry’s defining technical challenge, such breakthroughs can never be achieved. Riverlane is the world leader in QEC technology. QEC is a complex problem that requires a range of skills, talent and passion.
Having raised more than $125M in funding to date to accelerate our cutting-edge R&D in QEC, Riverlane partners with many of the world’s leading quantum hardware providers and government agencies to make fault-tolerant quantum computing a reality. We’re making remarkable progress and growing fast.
About the role
As a Senior Quantum Error Correction Researcher at Riverlane, you’ll work across both fundamental research and applied development. You’ll join our newly established R&D team in Delft, which focuses on applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to advance the state of the art in QEC, and on deploying the resulting models in our QEC stack.
As part of a highly collaborative research group, you’ll contribute QEC expertise and work together with AI engineers to develop novel solutions at the intersection of these fields. This is a hands-on research role, where you’ll test your ideas on real experimental data and where your impact comes through the quality of your ideas, your technical leadership and your ability to collaborate with colleagues from a range of disciplines across the organisation. You’ll tackle genuinely novel problems and help define how AI will shape the future of quantum error correction.
What you will do
In this role, you’ll apply your proven expertise in QEC to devise new approaches that accelerate progress on our world-leading QEC solutions. You’ll closely collaborate with other QEC researchers, AI engineers and software engineers to identify and develop innovative AI/ML techniques that enable intelligent, adaptive and scalable QEC tools. From early-stage exploration and prototyping through to model development and deployment, you’ll play a key role in turning AI models for QEC into technologies that advance quantum computing. You’ll also design and deliver proof-of-concept AI applications that shape the next generation of Riverlane’s products.
Your work will vary, but typical activities include:
- Undertake original, high-impact research in quantum error correction, exploring applications of AI across different architectures, codes, logic and physical implementations, considering the hardware constraints.
- Take a leading technical role in research projects, contributing QEC expertise while collaborating closely with AI/ML engineers and colleagues of varying experience levels, and guiding discussions across the wider research group.
- Help shape research directions in collaboration with colleagues, identifying promising problems where AI can be applied and approaches aligned with Riverlane’s roadmap.
- Translate research ideas into practical insights, prototypes or algorithms that inform future products and capabilities.
- Mentor and support researchers with less QEC experience through collaboration, technical guidance and example.
- Work closely with software, hardware and product teams to ensure research is grounded in real-world constraints and to integrate the resulting models into Riverlane’s QEC stack.
- Engage with the wider research community, building relationships with academic collaborators and partners.
- Publish and present impactful research at leading conferences, alongside clear internal communication through technical write-ups and discussions.
What we need
- A PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science or a related technical field (or equivalent professional experience).
- Proven ability to undertake high-quality theoretical work (e.g. through publications).
- In-depth knowledge of QEC.
- Experience with scientific computing libraries such as NumPy and SciPy, and with QEC simulation and decoding tools such as Stim or PyMatching.
- Strong programming skills, preferably in Python and/or C++, and good software engineering practices (e.g. version control, testing and code review).
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- A collaborative mindset with experience guiding and mentoring colleagues with less experience in QEC.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas clearly to a range of audiences.
Even better if you have
- Experience undertaking or leading QEC research, evidenced by scientific publications.
- Knowledge of quantum LDPC codes.
- Understanding of one or more qubit modalities (e.g. superconducting, trapped-ion, neutral-atom or photonic).
- Experience using machine learning for QEC research, evidenced by scientific publications or open-source projects.
What can you expect from us
At Riverlane, people come first. In addition to competitive salaries, we provide a holistic range of benefits to support your wellbeing and financial security, enabling you to do your best work, while feeling supported and rewarded. Please note that benefits vary by location, but will typically include:
- An annual bonus plan
- Paid time off
- A diverse work environment that brings together experts in many fields (including software and hardware development, quantum information theory, physics and maths) and over 20 different nationalities
- A learning environment that encourages individual, team and company growth and development, including a regular programme of learning events and training and conference budgets
How to apply
Please upload your CV and covering letter by clicking 'Apply'. Your covering letter should explain why you are applying for the job and what skills and experience you can bring to the role.
We review CVs as we receive them and interview as soon as we have applications that look like a good match. We do not use closing dates. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this role.
If you have any queries, please contact jobs@riverlane.com.
Everyone is welcome at Riverlane. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from eligible and suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender reassignment, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity/paternity.
Women and other underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a role unless they meet all or nearly all of the requirements. If this applies to you, we still encourage you to apply - you may be a great fit, even if you don’t meet every single qualification. We’d love to hear from you.
If you need any adjustments made to the application or selection process so you can do your best, please let us know. We will be happy to help.
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