Quantum Scientist - Compilation
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 14, 2026. First seen by Alion on Aug 17, 2026.
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!
Your role and responsibilities:
At Xanadu, we are developing the technology to execute large-scale quantum algorithms on fault-tolerant quantum computers with millions of physical qubits. As a quantum compilation researcher, you will be part of Xanadu’s software and algorithms group, working with our team of scientists and developers to design cutting-edge quantum algorithms and to build one of the world’s most advanced software platforms for quantum computing. You will play a key role in the team by designing advanced software architectures for quantum compilation, optimizing compilation passes, reducing cost of quantum algorithms, inventing key intellectual property, and publishing scientific papers. At Xanadu you will:
- Add new compilation techniques to the PennyLane+Catalyst ecosystem based on cutting-edge methods, heavily optimized to reduce resource requirements of key algorithms.
- Optimize quantum software pipelines to improve performance and address bottlenecks in compilation of large-scale algorithms.
- Optimize compilation of quantum circuits for execution on fault-tolerant quantum computers with advanced quantum error correction.
- Develop quantum compilation methods for dynamic circuits and for algorithms with control flow.
- Stay up to date with the latest quantum compilation literature and provide thought leadership to the team.
- Invent cutting-edge quantum compilation techniques that significantly push the state of the art.
- Translate research discoveries into performant software.
- Lead projects with multiple cross-functional contributors: algorithms researchers, compilation researchers, software developers, and product managers.
Basic qualifications and experience:
- Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Scientific programming experience in Python, C/C++.
- Deep expertise in methods for exact and approximate unitary synthesis.
- Expertise in physical-level hardware compilation.
- Advanced mathematical skills, especially in linear algebra and group theory.
- Familiarity with classical compilation and intermediate representations.
- Strong track record of research accomplishments in quantum compilation, demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.
- Ability to conduct research in an interdisciplinary team environment, as well as independently when required.
- Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively.
- Ability to manage individual project priorities, deadlines, and deliverables while working in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred qualifications and experience:
- Expertise in quantum error correction and fault-tolerance.
- Expertise in quantum algorithms, especially for quantum chemistry and quantum machine learning.
- Experience in compilation of dynamic quantum circuits and quantum circuits with control flow.
- Familiarity with JAX.
- Familiarity with MLIR and LLVM.
- Expertise in measurement-based quantum computation.
- Track record of translating research into into production-level software.
This is for a new position. Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and internal benchmarks. The base salary range is 100,000 - 140,000 CAD for intermediate and 150,000 - 190,000 CAD for senior. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Our values are important. They are fundamental and lay the foundation for culture at Xanadu. Learn more about our values here.
We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive, safe, and equitable culture and fostering an environment where our employees feel included, valued, and heard. We are committed to meeting the needs of all individuals and support a barrier-free workplace. Should you require accommodations at any point during the recruitment process please contact Recruiting at [email protected].
Please be advised that we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the screening and assessment of applicants for this position. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.