Senior Research Scientist, Superconducting Hardware

About the role

At Q-CTRL, we’re pioneering the future of quantum technology. In this role, you will join a collaborative team of quantum scientists and software engineers to advance the control and calibration of superconducting quantum hardware. Your primary focus will be on runtime calibration methods for optimizing two-qubit gates, enabling the high-fidelity execution of quantum algorithms and quantum error correction at scale. You will push calibration execution closer to the hardware, leveraging FPGA compute and low-latency communication with the compute host. Partnering closely with cross-functional research, product, and engineering teams, you will apply your insights to complex quantum computing challenges and translate your ideas into robust software tools. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of quantum technology, driving innovation and delivering impactful solutions.

What you'll be doing:

• Design and test novel calibration techniques for two-qubit gates across different hardware architectures.
• Develop scalable protocols for processor optimization (e.g. cross-talk mitigation, leakage reduction, defect mitigation).
• Conduct research in runtime control strategies leveraging low-latency compute.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to translate ideas and research outcomes into production-level software.
• Explain, document and present research solutions in accessible language.

Ideally you'll have:

• An advanced degree in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related discipline. A PhD is preferred, but we also consider exceptional candidates with previous industry experience.
• 3+ years of experience conducting research in a relevant field.
• Deep understanding of superconducting qubit physics and RF engineering.
• Expertise in calibrating two-qubit gates for transmon architectures (e.g. tunable couplers, parametric, cross-resonance)
• Experience with the calibration control stack, signal chain, FPGAs.
• A good grasp of software development best practices, and experience in developing software modules for qubit measurement and control (Python, C++, Rust).