Quantum Scientist — Algorithms

About Xanadu

Xanadu’s mission is to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere.

At Xanadu, we are learners, innovators, researchers, collaborators and problem solvers. We are creating something that has never been built before. What we are doing is extremely hard, the classic moon shot. Few people in their life will be able to be a part of something like this, where if we are successful, the technologies we develop will solve some of the world’s most challenging problems, and literally change the world.

And that is something to be excited about!

As a quantum scientist, you will join a technical team of researchers dedicated to unlocking the real-world impact of fault-tolerant quantum computers. You will contribute to discovering cutting-edge quantum algorithms, rigorously optimizing their performance, and identifying valuable applications across a variety of industries. Your focus will be quantum simulation: designing and optimizing quantum algorithms that compute properties and dynamics of molecules and materials, and identifying where those algorithms deliver value that classical methods cannot.

This is an algorithms-first role. Deep expertise in quantum algorithms is the core requirement; working knowledge of quantum chemistry or materials science is what lets you apply those algorithms to problems that matter. At Xanadu, this research is conducted alongside industry, government, and academic partners, requiring close collaboration with software, hardware, and business development teams across the company.

In more detail, you will focus deeply on two or more of the following areas:

• Design and pioneer quantum algorithms for simulating molecules and materials on fault-tolerant quantum computers.
• Radically improve algorithm efficiency by reducing qubit counts, non-Clifford gate complexity, and overall resource requirements for simulation workloads.
• Develop the core subroutines that quantum simulation depends on: block encodings, qubitization, quantum phase estimation, initial-state preparation, and Hamiltonian factorizations.
• Identify high-value applications targeted at chemistry and materials science, particularly in the semiconductor industry.
• Demonstrate the feasibility and scalability of new algorithms and applications through rigorous, constant-factor resource estimation.
• Collaborate directly with industry leaders to deliver solutions for real-world chemistry and materials problems.
• Work alongside compilation and quantum error correction (QEC) experts to compile simulation algorithms to fault-tolerant architectures.
• Collaborate with Penny Lane software developers to create state-of-the‑art tools for quantum simulation research.

Regardless of your specific focus areas, you will consistently:

• Author high-quality scientific papers, technical reports, and comprehensive documentation.
• Generate valuable intellectual property and actively support the filing of related patents.
• Present your research findings to strategic partners and at premier conferences and events.

• PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline — or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong track record of research accomplishments in quantum algorithms, evidenced by publications, patents, or technical work.
• Deep knowledge of fundamental concepts in quantum algorithms, such as Hamiltonian simulation, Trotter product formulas, quantum signal processing, linear combination of unitaries, amplitude amplification, quantum phase estimation, and quantum read‑only memories.
• Working knowledge of electronic structure for chemistry or materials: second quantization, basis sets and orbitals,…