Quantum Scientist, Government Programs (QEC)

College Park, MD, US | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid 

Salary: $120,000 to $175,000 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 quantum error correction (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 our new Maryland office

We are opening an office in Maryland to work more closely with the US government agencies, national laboratories and research institutions that are shaping the future of quantum computing. This role is one of our founding hires there. You will help establish Riverlane's presence in one of the densest concentrations of quantum research in the world, and have a direct hand in how we build the team, the partnerships and the programs that follow.

About the role

As a Quantum Scientist, Government Programs, you will contribute directly to the research programs Riverlane runs with US government agencies, national laboratories and research partners. You will do real QEC research, and you will see it land: the simulations you run and the results you analyze feed straight into program deliverables and into the hands of the partners we work with.

Working with a diverse set of partners, you will gain exposure to different qubit architectures and develop an understanding of their respective QEC considerations. You will help translate program and experimental goals into practical implementations, analyze results, and share insights that inform both partner success and Riverlane's ongoing product and research development.

This is a research-focused role, but a visibly external-facing one. You will collaborate directly with partners to set up experiments, understand technical challenges and support progress, work closely with internal teams to resolve issues, and represent Riverlane at partner meetings, workshops and conferences. Strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and an interest in applying research in real-world settings are essential for success in this role.

You will be supported by senior colleagues in Maryland and in the UK, and joining a new office early means unusual scope to grow with the team and the programs.

In this role, you will

• Contribute hands-on research to government-funded programs in quantum error correction, including simulation, data analysis and performance evaluation
• Support delivery against program milestones, including technical reports and updates for government sponsors
• Work with partners across the US with varied qubit architectures to design and execute quantum computing experiments, using Riverlane's software and hardware products
• Support the deployment of quantum applications and QEC-related solutions into partner environments
• Investigate experimental results, diagnose issues, and work with internal research and product teams to resolve them
• Contribute technical content to funding proposals
• Present results internally and externally, including at partner meetings, workshops and conferences
• Contribute to internal research projects related to quantum computing and quantum error correction

What we need

• A PhD in physics, experimental physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, or a related field (recent graduates are welcome to apply)
• Research experience in quantum computing, gained in academia or industry
• Experience designing, running and analyzing experiments or simulations using research-grade tools
• An interest in quantum error correction and in applying research in real-world settings
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting or discussing technical work
• Comfort with collaborating with partners and external stakeholders as part of the role
• The ability to work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team
• Willingness to travel within the US, including to partner and national laboratory sites, and occasionally to the UK
• Must be able to obtain a US government security clearance if required

Even better if you have

• Experience in QEC research
• Experience working on government-funded research programs, or time spent at a national laboratory or government research facility
• Familiarity with one or more qubit architectures and their QEC considerations
• Strong software skills (for example Python or C++) and experience with large-scale simulation or data analysis
• Experience contributing to technical reports, grant proposals or milestone documentation

What can you expect from us

• A comprehensive benefits package that includes an annual bonus plan, private medical insurance, life insurance, and 401K contributions
• Equity, so that our team can share in the long-term success of Riverlane
• Generous paid time off and enhanced family leave
• A diverse work environment that brings together experts in many fields (including software and hardware development, quantum information theory, physics and math) and over 20 different nationalities
• A learning environment that encourages individual, team and company growth and development, including a regular program of learning events and training and conference budgets

How to apply 

Please upload your resume 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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