Quantum Scientist - Software

About Xanadu:
Xanadu’s mission is to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere.

At Xanadu, we are learners, innovators, researchers, collaborators, and problem solvers. We are creating something that has never been built before. What we are doing is extremely hard, the classic moon shot. Few people in their life will be able to be a part of something like this, where if we are successful, the technologies we develop will solve some of the world’s most challenging problems, and literally change the world. That is something to be excited about!

Your Role and Responsibilities

As a quantum scientist, you will join a technical team of researchers and developers dedicated to unlocking the real-world impact of fault-tolerant quantum computers. You will contribute to discovering cutting-edge quantum algorithms, rigorously optimizing their performance, and identifying valuable applications across a variety of industries. Your focus will be on developing the software tools that accelerate quantum algorithms research, and deploying them across multiple projects in the company.

Deep expertise in scientific software development is the core requirement, with proficiency in using frontier AI models, but the ideal candidate should also hold considerable research experience in quantum computing. At Xanadu, this work is conducted alongside industry, government, and academic partners, requiring close collaboration with software, hardware, and business development teams across the company.

In more detail, you will focus deeply on two or more of the following areas:

• Develop novel quantum algorithms and the software tools that implement them, accelerating quantum algorithms research including resource estimation, Hamiltonian construction, and classical simulation.
• Develop AI-driven tools for quantum application discovery and quantum algorithm optimization.
• Apply software tools to ongoing research projects, alongside algorithms and applications scientists.
• Maintain high-quality production code through automated test coverage and a dynamic code review process.
• Contribute to productionizing this research software as part of the PennyLane ecosystem.
• Collaborate directly with industry partners to deliver solutions for real-world problems.

Regardless of your specific focus areas, you will consistently:

• Author high-quality code, scientific reports, and comprehensive documentation.
• Generate valuable intellectual property and actively support the filing of related patents.
• Present your research findings to strategic partners and at premier conferences and events.

Basic qualifications and experience

• MSc in Physics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline — or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong track record of software development for research, evidenced by contributions to scientific libraries and/or open-source projects.
• Strong expertise in the use of frontier AI models for scientific research.
• Track record of research accomplishments in quantum algorithms, evidenced by publications, patents, or technical work.
• Knowledge of fundamental concepts in quantum algorithms, such as Hamiltonian simulation, Trotter product formulas, quantum signal processing, linear combination of unitaries, amplitude amplification, quantum phase estimation, and quantum read-only memories.
• Demonstrated expertise in Python and related scientific libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, and JAX.
• Capacity to thrive in an interdisciplinary team environment and drive independent research when required.
• Excellent communication skills, with a proven ability to convey complex technical ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Strong self-management skills to balance individual project priorities, deadlines, and deliverables in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred qualifications and experience

• Experience performing constant-factor resource estimation for fault-tolerant quantum algorithms.
• Hands-on experience with classical electronic-structure or quantum-chemistry codes such as PySCF, VASP, Quantum ESPRESSO, or DMRG and QMC packages.
• Experience collaborating with industry or government partners on application benchmarking.
• Solid understanding of quantum error correction and fault-tolerant architectures.
• Knowledge of quantum compilation techniques.

This is for a new position. Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and internal benchmarks. The base salary range is 100,000 - 120,000 CAD. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits. Our values are important. They are fundamental and lay the foundation for culture at Xanadu. Learn more about our values here.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive, safe, and equitable culture and fostering an environment where our employees feel included, valued, and heard. We are committed to meeting the needs of all individuals and support a barrier-free workplace. Should you require accommodations at any point during the recruitment process please contact Recruiting at [email protected].

Please be advised that we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the screening and assessment of applicants for this position. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.