Physical Resource Estimation Intern M/F

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

In a context where early fault-tolerant quantum computers will have limited qubit and gate budgets, identifying applications whose core subroutines can be implemented with a small footprint is key to demonstrating useful quantum advantage early. The Quantum Algorithms Intern: Physical Resource Estimation will review and compare compact block-encoding techniques by their logical

resources, then estimate the physical cat-qubit count and runtime needed to run one selected example on Alice & Bob's cat-qubit architecture.

Reporting to the Quantum Algorithm Scientist, they will produce a concrete, physical resource estimate for this use case.

This internship will start in January 2027 for 6 months !

Responsibilities:

• Review block-encoding techniques with a small footprint (such as a block encoding for the SYK model) and compare their logical resources
• Estimate the physical resources on a cat-qubit architecture - Map the logical resources of one selected example onto Alice & Bob's cat-qubit architecture - Compute the physical cat-qubit count and runtime in reproducible code, and document the results

Requirements:

A student in physics or mathematics with a strong interest in quantum computing and quantum algorithms. You are comfortable working from research papers, enjoys turning theoretical results into quantitative estimates, and can work independently on a well-defined research project.

• EDUCATION: Currently enrolled in an MSc or PhD program in physics or mathematics
• LANGUAGES: Proficient in English
• EXPERIENCE: No minimum professional experience required; prior research project or internship in quantum computing is an asset
• Solid understanding of quantum computing fundamentals (circuit model, quantum gates, basic quantum information)
• Strong linear algebra and mathematical reasoning
• Basic programming skills (Python preferred)
• Ability to read and synthesize research literature
• Clear written and oral communication of technical results
• Autonomy and rigour in research work

Nice to have:

• Knowledge of quantum algorithms (e.g. block encodings, qubitization, phase estimation)
• Familiarity with fault-tolerant quantum computing or quantum error correction