Quantum Scientist - Algorithms

Quantum Scientist — Algorithms

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. And that is something to be excited about!

Your role and responsibilities:
As a quantum scientist, you will join a technical team of researchers 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 quantum simulation: designing and optimizing quantum algorithms that compute properties and dynamics of molecules and materials, and identifying where those algorithms deliver value that classical methods cannot.

This is an algorithms-first role. Deep expertise in quantum algorithms is the core requirement; working knowledge of quantum chemistry or materials science is what lets you apply those algorithms to problems that matter. At Xanadu, this research 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:

• Design and pioneer quantum algorithms for simulating molecules and materials on fault-tolerant quantum computers.
• Radically improve algorithm efficiency by reducing qubit counts, non-Clifford gate complexity, and overall resource requirements for simulation workloads.
• Develop the core subroutines that quantum simulation depends on: block encodings, qubitization, quantum phase estimation, initial-state preparation, and Hamiltonian factorizations.
• Identify high-value applications targeted at chemistry and materials science, particularly in the semiconductor industry.
• Demonstrate the feasibility and scalability of new algorithms and applications through rigorous, constant-factor resource estimation.
• Collaborate directly with industry leaders to deliver solutions for real-world chemistry and materials problems.
• Work alongside compilation and quantum error correction (QEC) experts to compile simulation algorithms to fault-tolerant architectures.
• Collaborate with PennyLane software developers to create state-of-the-art tools for quantum simulation research.

Regardless of your specific focus areas, you will consistently:

• Author high-quality scientific papers, technical 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:

• PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline — or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong track record of research accomplishments in quantum algorithms, evidenced by publications, patents, or technical work.
• Deep 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.
• Working knowledge of electronic structure for chemistry or materials: second quantization, basis sets and orbitals, fermion-to-qubit mappings, and the standard classical methods used as baselines.
• Ability to reason quantitatively about the cost of a quantum simulation algorithm — not only asymptotic scaling, but where the leading constants actually come from.
• 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 with periodic and condensed-matter systems: k-point sampling, pseudopotentials, strongly correlated models, and first-quantized simulation approaches.
• Knowledge of EUV lithography or related semiconductor process physics and materials — source and plasma physics, photoresist chemistry, optics and mask materials.
• Experience collaborating with industry or government partners on application benchmarking.
• Strong software development and scientific programming skills in Python, preferably with a proven track record of contributing to open-source scientific libraries.
• Solid understanding of quantum error correction and fault-tolerant architectures.
• Knowledge of quantum compilation techniques.

This is for an new position. Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and internal benchmarks. The base salary range is 100,000 - 140,000 CAD for intermediate and 150,000 - 180,000 CAD for senior. 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.