Q-CTRL · 1 month ago
Senior Research Scientist, Applications & Algorithms
Los Angeles, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior LevelQ-CTRL is the global leader in AI-powered quantum control infrastructure software, and they are seeking a Senior Research Scientist to drive their mission toward near-term quantum advantage. This role focuses on designing, analyzing, and deploying quantum algorithms and workflows that reveal clear scaling advantages on near-term hardware, collaborating closely with research, engineering, and product teams.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)GPSInformation ServicesInformation TechnologyNavigationQuantum ComputingSoftwareSoftware Engineering
Responsibilities
Identify, formulate, and prioritize specific problem instances and applications within selected domains (e.g., chemistry, optimization) that offer credible opportunities for near-term quantum advantage, supported by feasibility and scaling analyses
Design, implement, and execute quantum algorithms on real hardware, leveraging advanced control and performance-management techniques
Perform quantitative benchmarking and ablation studies to isolate and validate the true sources of quantum performance gains relative to optimized classical approaches
Draw on methods from diverse fields—including control theory, optimization, machine learning, computer science, and data analysis—to enhance algorithmic performance
Develop and maintain high-quality research code for quantum algorithm optimization and near-term application studies
Collaborate closely with engineering teams to translate research concepts into production-ready software integrated within Q-CTRL’s product ecosystem
Communicate your work clearly and accessibly, incorporating feedback and fostering strong cross-team collaboration
Publish and present your research in peer-reviewed journals and at leading conferences; engage with external academic and industrial collaborators
Other duties within the Employee's skills and experience, or with reasonable training
Qualification
Required
An advanced degree in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related discipline. A PhD is preferred, but we will also consider exceptional individuals with previous industry experience
Expertise in quantum computing, quantum algorithms, or quantum control. For this role, we would like to see depth in one or more of: quantum optimization, simulation, chemistry, cryptography, or quantum machine learning
A track record of impactful research, demonstrated through publications or presentations in well-regarded journals and conferences
Experience in developing software for scientific experiments using Python
Preferred
Familiarity with executing circuits in Qiskit
Familiarity with error suppression techniques used in quantum computing, such as dynamical decoupling, readout mitigation, zero-noise extrapolation, Pauli twirling, or pulse-level optimization
A strong background in relevant methods from fields such as control theory, optimization, machine learning, or data analysis
Experience with GPUs, TPUs, and other forms of hardware-accelerated computing
Exceptional scientific communication skills, evidenced by a track record of teaching, scientific outreach, writing, producing elegant figures and visualizations, and speaking in front of both general and expert audiences
Benefits
Flexibility
Equity potential
Competitive benefits
Company
Q-CTRL
Q-CTRL is using AI-powered quantum infrastructure software to accelerate pathways to useful quantum computers and quantum sensors.
Founded in 2017
51-200 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Q-CTRL has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (2)
2024 (4)
2023 (4)
2020 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$133.03MKey Investors
Small Business Research InitiativeMorpheus VenturesSalesforce Ventures
2024-10-08Series B· $59M
2024-02-05Grant· $1.25M
2023-07-25Series B· $2M
Leadership Team
Michael Biercuk
CEO & Founder
Aravind Ratnam
Chief Strategy Officer
Recent News
2025-10-31
2025-09-20
Company data provided by crunchbase