Lead Quantum Error Correction Researcher

Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid

Salary: £72,000 to £140,000, DOE + Bonus + Benefits

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.

We will also consider part-time applications for this role. Please indicate your preferred working schedule in your cover letter.

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 the role

As a Senior Quantum Error Correction Researcher at Riverlane, you won’t just research quantum error correction - you’ll help us build it. Your work will help deliver the world’s first QEC stack and unlock useful, scalable quantum computing.

We have a fantastic opportunity to join one of Riverlane’s more science-focused quantum error correction teams, which works to enable large-scale error-corrected quantum computation. This world-class, highly collaborative team brings together mathematicians, physicists, computer scientists and software engineers, working side by side on a diverse portfolio of cutting-edge research projects. In this senior role, you will lead high-impact research projects and manage a small team within a larger, multidisciplinary group. You’ll balance deep, hands-on research with technical leadership, mentoring, and strategic direction.

What you will do

As a Senior QEC Researcher at Riverlane, your work will vary, but typical activities may include:

• Pushing the boundaries of quantum error correction (QEC) through hands-on, high-impact research, while coaching and levelling up researchers in your team.
• Owning and leading multi-person projects end to end, working closely with your team and cross-functional partners across Riverlane.

• Actively shaping the direction and priorities of QEC research in relevant areas as we scale our technology and roadmap.
• Translating cutting-edge research into outcomes that move the company forward, contributing directly to Riverlane’s goals and strategy.

• Line-managing, mentoring and supporting members of your team, helping them to grow and take on increasing responsibility.
• Building strong relationships with external partners, collaborators, and customers, including hardware partners across all qubit types.

• Helping define and win new projects by contributing to compelling proposals and funding opportunities.
• Sharing knowledge and collaborating across teams to rapidly advance our products.

• Writing and reviewing code for our internal and open-source codebases.
• Communicating results clearly and decisively through publications, talks, and presentations at leading conferences and workshops.

What we need

• PhD in mathematics, physics, computer science, or a related technical field (or equivalent professional experience)
• Proven ability to undertake high-quality theoretical work (for example, through publications)

• Experience driving the direction of scientific or technical research
• Experience leading projects involving multiple people

• A collaborative mindset with experience in guiding and mentoring less-experienced colleagues
• Working knowledge of QEC

• Ability to work effectively both independently, and as part of a team
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to discuss complex ideas with a variety of audiences in a clear way

Even better if you have…

• Experience undertaking or leading QEC research, evidenced by scientific publications
• Knowledge of qLDPC codes

• Understanding of one or more qubit modalities
• Experience leading a group of researchers working across multiple projects, balancing competing priorities