Research Internship

Salary: £30,000–£35,000 per annum, depending on experience, paid pro rata for the internship duration.

About us

Riverlane’s mission is to master quantum error correction (QEC) and unlock a new age of human progress. From advances in material and climate science, to complex chemistry simulation for new drug design, quantum computers will help humanity solve some of its most important challenges. But without QEC, the industry’s defining technical challenge, such breakthroughs can never be achieved. Riverlane is the world leader in QEC technology.

QEC is a complex problem that requires a range of skills, talent and passion.

Having raised more than $125M in funding to date to accelerate our cutting-edge R&D in quantum error correction (QEC), Riverlane partners with many of the world’s leading quantum hardware providers and government agencies to make fault-tolerant quantum computing a reality. We’re making remarkable progress and growing fast.

About the role

As a Research Intern at Riverlane, you will work on a focused project contributing to our quantum error correction research. Depending on the project, you could investigate error correction methods, develop and evaluate decoding algorithms, build simulations or explore the theoretical foundations of QEC.

You will work alongside researchers, mathematicians and engineers who are experts in their fields. You will have a dedicated supervisor who will help you shape your project, develop your knowledge and work towards a meaningful research outcome over your 10–12-week internship. This could include an analysis of a new approach, a mathematical model, a simulation or an algorithm.

We welcome students from a range of technical disciplines. You do not need extensive prior knowledge of quantum computing; we are looking for strong analytical skills, curiosity and a willingness to learn.

What you will do

• Contribute to a focused research project aligned with Riverlane’s scientific goals.
• Investigate theoretical or computational problems relating to quantum error correction.
• Develop mathematical models, algorithms or simulations appropriate to your project.
• Analyse results, compare approaches and draw evidence-based conclusions.
• Collaborate with researchers and engineers, discussing ideas and learning from their expertise.
• Communicate your findings through technical discussions, presentations and written reports.
• Develop your understanding of quantum computing, QEC and the challenges of putting research into practice.

What we need

You must be a current student at the time of application, studying towards a Bachelor’s degree (second year or later), Master’s degree or PhD.

You must be studying Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering or another related technical subject.

Evidence of strong theoretical, mathematical or computational skills, demonstrated through coursework, projects or research.

Experience using at least one programming language.

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The ability to understand and work with complex technical concepts.

Clear written and verbal communication skills.

The ability to take initiative and work effectively as part of a team.

An interest in quantum computing; extensive prior knowledge or experience is not required.

Availability to work full-time for 10–12 weeks.

• You have experience with Python or another language commonly used for scientific computing
• You have completed an independent research project or communicated technical research through a report, presentation or publication
• You have experience using version control or collaborative software-development tools
• You must already have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the internship. If you hold a UK student visa, please check…