Quantum Algorithm Scientist (US)

About Zapata Quantum

Zapata Quantum is shaping the future of quantum computing: setting the standards for what’s viable, valuable, and worth building. The Company powers quantum applications across cryptography, pharmaceuticals, finance, materials discovery, defense, and beyond, translating cutting-edge research into real-world impact.

Zapata is the only organization to have contributed across every technical area of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking program, giving it a uniquely comprehensive view of what it takes to make quantum computing work in practice. Now restructured and sharply focused, Zapata Quantum stands alone as the only publicly traded, pure-play quantum software company fully dedicated to unlocking quantum’s commercial potential.

We’re rebuilding at a pivotal moment for the industry-bringing together a team that will help define how quantum delivers value in the real world, with the opportunity for meaningful ownership as we shape the commercial path forward.

About the role

We are seeking a Quantum Algorithm Scientist to design, analyze, and benchmark quantum algorithms that deliver real-world advantage. The role sits at the intersection of theory and practice-translating problems from domains such as cryptography, chemistry, finance, materials discovery, and defense into concrete quantum circuits, and rigorously evaluating their resource requirements on both near-term and fault-tolerant hardware.

This position offers a high level of individual ownership and is well-suited to scientists who are comfortable working independently within a small, focused team. You will partner with quantum software engineers and domain experts to push the state of the art, with opportunities to publish, contribute to open-source quantum frameworks, and shape deliverables for government and commercial programs. This position is classified as exempt under applicable wage and hour laws.

What you'll do

• Design, analyze, and optimize quantum algorithms for applications in cryptography, chemistry, finance, materials science, and defense
• Perform end-to-end resource estimation for quantum workloads on both near-term (NISQ) and fault-tolerant hardware architectures
• Develop and benchmark novel circuit compilation, error mitigation, and algorithmic primitives
• Translate customer and domain-specific problems into well-posed quantum computational tasks
• Contribute to technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and government program deliverables
• Work directly with customers to scope, develop, and deliver proof-of-concept engagements that demonstrate quantum value for their use cases
• Partner with internal software engineers to improve the quality, correctness, and performance of product deliverables
• Independently analyze complex scientific problems and communicate results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field
• Deep understanding of quantum computing fundamentals, including the circuit model, quantum error correction, and complexity theory
• Broad familiarity with many types of quantum algorithms and primitives (e.g., QPE, VQE, QAOA, Hamiltonian simulation, amplitude amplification, block encoding)
• Strong mathematical foundations in linear algebra, probability, and numerical methods
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications, preprints, or equivalent technical output
• Proficiency in some area of quantum-related programming (e.g., circuit simulation, compilation, resource estimation, or scientific computing)
• Ability to work independently, scope open-ended problems, and manage deliverables with minimal oversight
• Familiarity with modern AI tools and a drive to use them to make research and development systems more efficient

Preferred Experience

• Demonstrated experience shipping software that leverages LLMs, AI agents, or other machine learning components
• Experience building developer tools, scientific workflows, or research automation that leverages AI to speed up expert work
• Strong communication skills and comfort collaborating across research and engineering teams