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Quantum Error Correction Theorist
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Quantum Architecture
Position Overview
We are seeking a Quantum Error Correction (QEC) Theorist with deep expertise in fault-tolerant quantum computing and a strong understanding of trapped-ion systems or other atomic systems. The successful candidate will design, analyze, and optimize error correction protocols tailored to trapped-ion architectures, bridging theory and hardware implementation.
You will collaborate closely with experimental physicists, control engineers, and quantum software teams to enable practical fault tolerance on near-term and scalable ion-trap platforms. You will also be expected to work with external partners and lead collaborations with academic and industrial teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and analyze quantum error correction codes suited for trapped-ion systems (e.g., surface codes, color codes, LDPC codes, bosonic codes).
- Develop architecture-aware fault-tolerant schemes considering realistic noise models (dephasing, motional mode heating, crosstalk, gate infidelity, leakage).
- Optimize syndrome extraction protocols using native trapped-ion gates
- Model logical error rates under hardware-constrained connectivity in a 2D ion shuttling architecture.
- Collaborate with experimental teams to validate QEC protocols on real hardware.
- Contribute to threshold analysis, decoding strategy development, and resource estimation for large-scale algorithms.
- Publish findings in leading journals and present at major conferences.
Required Qualifications
- Masters or PhD in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Demonstrated expertise in quantum error correction and fault-tolerant quantum computing.
- Strong analytical and numerical modelling skills.
- Experience working with realistic noise models and hardware constraints.
- Proficiency in Python and scientific computing tools (NumPy, SciPy, JAX, QuTip, STIM, or similar).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with trapped-ion quantum computing architectures.
- Knowledge of decoder implementations (MWPM, belief propagation, neural decoders).
- Familiarity with quantum software frameworks (e.g., Qiskit, Cirq, or hardware-specific SDKs).
- Experience with architectural proposals of at least one of the major competing QC platforms, with preference for dynamically reconfigurable approaches.
- Experience modelling Open Quantum Systems
- Track record of publications in top-tier journals
What We Offer
- Opportunity to define the fault-tolerance roadmap for a trapped-ion quantum platform.
- Close collaboration between theory and experiment in a rapidly scaling quantum hardware program.
- Access to cutting-edge ion-trap hardware that breaks away from the mainstream.
- Competitive compensation and equity. Stock option plan that allows you to become a true shareholder in the company.
- Flexible work environment (home office).
- Be part of a dynamic team that operates on four core principles: Excellence, Reliability, Trust & Open Feedback.
- Zurich constantly ranks at or near the top of most liveable cities in the world. Whether you like the arts, sports or nature, Zurich has it all on offer
- 30 days of holiday.
Impact
Your work will directly shape the path toward scalable, fault-tolerant trapped-ion quantum computing—transforming today’s high-fidelity devices into tomorrow’s logical quantum processors.
To Apply:
Please submit your CV and a cover letter.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.
