Quantum Applications Architect (Partial Differential Equations)

Quantum computing holds the promise of humanity’s mastery over the natural world, but only if we can build a real quantum computer. PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the first real, useful quantum computers, capable of delivering the world-changing applications that the technology has long promised.  We know that means we will need to build a system with roughly 1 million qubits that supports fault tolerant error correction within a scalable architecture, and a data center footprint.

By harnessing the laws of quantum physics, quantum computers can provide exponential performance increases over today’s most powerful supercomputers, offering the potential for extraordinary advances across a broad range of industries including climate, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials design, and many more.

PsiQuantum has determined the fastest path to delivering a useful quantum computer, years earlier than the rest of the industry. Our architecture is based on silicon photonics which gives us the ability to produce our components at Tier-1 semiconductor fabs such as GlobalFoundries where we leverage high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, the same processes that are already producing billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics applications. We also benefit from the quantum mechanics reality that photons don’t feel heat or electromagnetic interference, allowing us to take advantage of existing cryogenic cooling systems and industry standard fiber connectivity.

In 2024, PsiQuantum announced two government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first Quantum Data Centers and utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia and Chicago, Illinois. Both projects are backed by nations that understand quantum computing’s potential impact and the need to scale this technology to unlock that potential. And we won’t just be building the hardware, but also the fault tolerant quantum applications that will provide industry-transforming results.

Quantum computing is not just an evolution of the decades-old advancement in compute power. It provides the key to mastering our future, not merely discovering it. The potential is enormous, and we have the plan to make it real. Come join us.

There’s much more work to be done and we are looking for exceptional talent to join us on this extraordinary journey!

Job Summary:

Quantum applications architects drive research and development of quantum algorithms and lead partnered collaborations on the application of quantum algorithms to real-world computational problems. The applications team is fully focused on algorithms in the fault tolerant regime and is very tightly integrated with quantum architecture development. The scope of the quantum applications team includes development of new quantum algorithms and methods, scoping of use-cases, simulation and analysis of resource requirements, optimization of compiling methods and development of methods for universal fault tolerant logic. 

This role is specifically focused on the isolation of applications for quantum computers and the development of quantum algorithms for fault-tolerant quantum computers. The architect will translate computational tasks into abstract specifications for quantum algorithms, understand their asymptotic performance, work to define post-classical problem instances, and collaborate with the compilation team to build explicit instantiations of said algorithms. 

Responsibilities:

• Research and development of quantum algorithms tailored for fault-tolerant quantum computers, particularly around differential equations.
• Work closely with external partners to instantiate, validate and optimize quantum algorithms for use cases across domains in this category, such as in fluids and plasma physics.Establish benchmarks and problem instances to validate post-classicality of quantum algorithms.
• Simulation and analysis of resource requirements for fault tolerant implementation of quantum algorithms in photonic quantum computing.
• Collaborate with quantum architecture group to co-optimize algorithm methods with architectural design.

Experience/Qualifications:

• Degree in Physics, Math or Computer Science or equivalent required. PhD in Physics, Math or Computer Science, with a focus on quantum information theory or quantum computation preferred.
• 3+ years of relevant academic or industry research experience in quantum algorithms, quantum applications or quantum circuit compilation preferred.
• Experience with quantum algorithms and compiling in the regime of fault tolerant gates preferred.
• Experience working with partners in academia or industry to analyze real-world quantum applications of interest preferred.
• Proven team player with an ability to work effectively across departments, sites and time zones.
• Ability to work independently and contribute to fast-moving start-up environment.
• Experience programming in Python, C++ or similar languages.

PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.