Computational Quantum Physicist – Mid-Level

Computational Quantum Physicist – Mid-Level
(permanent position, 40 hour per week)
Contact: (819) 975-4654, [email protected] 

About Nord Quantique

At Nord Quantique, we strive to build impactful technology by relentlessly pushing our understanding of quantum science. We are an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, innovators, builders, and enthusiasts on a mission to make quantum computing a reality. Our quantum processors are designed to reduce errors in quantum computation to facilitate long-term scaling toward fully-fledged quantum computers. We believe it is our responsibility to deliver this transformative technology for the greater good of society.

Located at the heart of the beautiful Eastern Townships region in the province of Quebec, Canada, we develop our technology in the vibrant quantum ecosystem of Sherbrooke. Leaning on more than a decade of vertical integration of quantum hardware, we are leveraging a comprehensive pool of quantum technology and micro-electronic infrastructure to deploy our quantum computing technology.

Our current needs

As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a new leader to guide our well-established theory team and help shape its next chapter. While scientific insight remains important, we are especially looking for someone who thrives by supporting others — someone who can create an environment where researchers are empowered, motivated, and resilient in the face of tough, unsolved challenges.

Our Theory and Simulations team develops the models and numerical tools that connect device physics, quantum-control protocols, error correction, and logical performance. These capabilities guide the design of our hardware and are central to evaluating and improving our quantum computing architecture.

We are seeking a Senior Computational Quantum Physicist to lead the development of the next generation of simulation methods for bosonic quantum error correction.

Your mission will be to develop scalable, rigorously validated simulation backends that enable higher-energy multimode simulations and reliable estimation of ultra-low logical error rates.

Meeting these goals will require new representations and algorithms rather than incremental optimization alone. Promising directions include tensor networks, rare-event sampling, and logical-level or near-Clifford simulation methods.

You will implement and validate new numerical methods, take ownership of well-defined simulation projects, and contribute to the evolution of the simulation codebase. Working with senior researchers, you will translate new computational ideas into reliable simulation tools and help evaluate their accuracy, performance, and applicability.

We expect to hire candidates with complementary expertise. You are not expected to specialize in every area described below but should bring relevant experience in at least one and be motivated to develop expertise across related areas.

Areas of Specialization

Candidates with a strong background will generally demonstrate in-depth expertise in one or more of the following areas:

Tensor-network and compressed bosonic simulation

Develop scalable methods for simulating multimode bosonic systems using tensor networks and related compression techniques. Explore their application to larger systems, higher-energy regimes, and both pure- and mixed-state dynamics, while establishing their accuracy, computational advantages, and regimes of applicability.

Logical-level and effective-model simulation

Develop efficient models in which the full bosonic state is replaced by an encoded logical qubit together with a controlled number of residual, gauge, or leakage degrees of freedom.

Possible approaches include Zak-basis subsystem decompositions, effective logical-channel models, and extended stabilizer, Clifford, or Pauli-based simulation methods such as Pauli+. Determine which bosonic effects, correlations, and non-Pauli processes must be retained, identify the regimes in which each reduced model is valid, and benchmark these models systematically against full bosonic simulations.

Advanced Monte Carlo methods

Develop variance-reduction and rare-event sampling techniques for logical-error-rate estimation. Relevant approaches may include importance sampling, biased trajectory ensembles, splitting methods, sequential Monte Carlo, Markov chain Monte Carlo, and related techniques.

High-performance scientific software

Design and maintain a modular simulation platform that can support multiple physical representations and numerical backends through a consistent Python interface. Improve performance using established high-performance numerical libraries, accelerator-aware frameworks, parallelism, compilation, batching, and efficient data structures. Work with the compiler team to define robust interfaces between compiled quantum programs, physical noise models, simulation backends, and analysis workflows.

Working in close collaboration with the Theory and Simulations team members, the candidate will (Depending on their area of expertise):

• Develop and implement scalable simulation algorithms for bosonic quantum systems and quantum error-correcting codes.
• Extend simulations to larger numbers of modes, higher photon numbers, and more demanding logical-error-rate regimes.
• Investigate computational representations that exploit the structure of GKP states and multimode bosonic codes.
• Build efficient simulation methods for pure-state quantum trajectories and open-system density-matrix evolution.
• Develop and validate rare-event sampling methods for estimating logical error rates that are inaccessible through direct Monte Carlo sampling.
• Develop effective and logical-level models, and benchmark them against higher-fidelity bosonic simulations.
• Establish numerical benchmarks, convergence tests, uncertainty estimates, and validation procedures for new simulation methods.
• Contribute to the architecture, implementation, testing, and documentation of the simulation codebase.
• Integrate new numerical methods behind shared Python interfaces and help connect them with the company’s compiler and broader software stack.
• Evaluate JAX and other high-performance numerical or tensor-network frameworks, selecting appropriate tools for each problem.
• Translate research prototypes into reliable, maintainable, and well-tested scientific software.
• Participate in technical reviews and contribute to best practices for computational research.
• Communicate results and technical trade-offs clearly to scientific and engineering collaborators.

Education and experience requirements :

• A PhD in physics, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related field, or equivalent research experience.
• Relevant expertise in at least one of the specialization areas described above.
• A strong background in quantum mechanics, numerical physics, scientific computing, or quantum information.
• Experience formulating computational problems and implementing numerical methods to address them.
• Experience testing numerical methods, evaluating approximations, and studying convergence or accuracy.
• Experience with high-performance numerical frameworks such as JAX, NumPy/SciPy, Julia, or comparable tools.
• Strong Python programming skills and experience developing structured, tested, and maintainable scientific software.
• The ability to work independently on research and software-development problems while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are important.

Additional Assets:

Experience in any of the following would be valuable:

• Bosonic quantum error correction, GKP codes, or continuous-variable quantum information
• Open quantum systems, stochastic Schrödinger equations, or quantum-trajectory methods
• Compiler interfaces or intermediate representations

Sought profile:

• Strong ability to adapt in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to actively contribute to collective success.
• Thoroughness, attention to detail, and a systematic approach to problem-solving.
• Excellent ability to prioritize work and effectively coordinate multiple activities or projects simultaneously.
• Scientific curiosity and a strong interest in complex, interdisciplinary challenges.
• Autonomy and initiative in achieving research and development objectives.
• Excellent communication skills with stakeholders from diverse technical disciplines.

Nord Quantique is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in its training, workplaces, and activities. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and traditionally marginalized groups.

Working at Nord Quantique

At Nord Quantique, you will be part of something special: working in a highly dynamic environment at the forefront of quantum technology development while benefiting from a vibrant ecosystem located at the heart of the Quantum Innovation Zone of the picturesque city of Sherbrooke. Our interdisciplinary team is laser-focused on solving grand challenges and making quantum computing a reality.

Nord Quantique is an equal-opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals can fulfill their aspirations while being supported and heard. This also means that we offer flexible work schedules and adapt our methods for the well-being of every individual.

Moving to Nord Quantique

Nord Quantique offers extensive moving support, including help with immigration paperwork, with finding a place to live, with access to childcare and schools, even helping your partner to find a new job. We offer a relocation compensation package and competitive salaries.

Salary: $115000 – $135000

Vacation: 5 weeks per year

Benefits: Group insurance (including dental care), virtual care, lifestyle spending account (all available after 3 months of service)

Working language: English and/or French

Workplace: Espace Quantique 1, 1950 rue Roy, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 1B7 or Ax.c, Place Victoria, 800 Rue du Square-Victoria, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 0B4.