Quantum Algorithm Scientist (US only) at Zapata Quantum

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Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

22 Jul, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

23 Apr, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Quantum Algorithms, Quantum Circuit Design, Linear Algebra, Complexity Theory, Quantum Error Correction, Resource Estimation, Cryptography, Hamiltonian Simulation, Numerical Methods, Scientific Computing, Circuit Compilation, Error Mitigation, Python, Machine Learning, LLMs, Research Automation

Industry

Software Development

Description

About the role We are seeking a Quantum Algorithm Scientist to design, analyze, and benchmark quantum algorithms that deliver real-world advantage. The role sits at the intersection of theory and practice—translating problems from domains such as cryptography, chemistry, finance, materials discovery, and defense into concrete quantum circuits, and rigorously evaluating their resource requirements on both near-term and fault-tolerant hardware. This position offers a high level of individual ownership and is well-suited to scientists who are comfortable working independently within a small, focused team. You will partner with quantum software engineers and domain experts to push the state of the art, with opportunities to publish, contribute to open-source quantum frameworks, and shape deliverables for government and commercial programs. This position is classified as exempt under applicable wage and hour laws. What you'll do Design, analyze, and optimize quantum algorithms for applications in cryptography, chemistry, finance, materials science, and defense Perform end-to-end resource estimation for quantum workloads on both near-term (NISQ) and fault-tolerant hardware architectures Develop and benchmark novel circuit compilation, error mitigation, and algorithmic primitives Translate customer and domain-specific problems into well-posed quantum computational tasks Contribute to technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and government program deliverables Work directly with customers to scope, develop, and deliver proof-of-concept engagements that demonstrate quantum value for their use cases Partner with internal software engineers to improve the quality, correctness, and performance of product deliverables Independently analyze complex scientific problems and communicate results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences Qualifications PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field Deep understanding of quantum computing fundamentals, including the circuit model, quantum error correction, and complexity theory Broad familiarity with many types of quantum algorithms and primitives (e.g., QPE, VQE, QAOA, Hamiltonian simulation, amplitude amplification, block encoding) Strong mathematical foundations in linear algebra, probability, and numerical methods Track record of peer-reviewed publications, preprints, or equivalent technical output Proficiency in some area of quantum-related programming (e.g., circuit simulation, compilation, resource estimation, or scientific computing) Ability to work independently, scope open-ended problems, and manage deliverables with minimal oversight Familiarity with modern AI tools and a drive to use them to make research and development systems more efficient Preferred Experience Demonstrated experience shipping software that leverages LLMs, AI agents, or other machine learning components Experience building developer tools, scientific workflows, or research automation that leverages AI to speed up expert work Strong communication skills and comfort collaborating across research and engineering teams

Responsibilities

Design, analyze, and optimize quantum algorithms for various domains including cryptography, chemistry, and finance. Perform end-to-end resource estimation and collaborate with software engineers to deliver proof-of-concept engagements.