qLDPC Lead, US

Boston, MA, US | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid

Salary: $158k - $200k | DOE  + bonus plan + equity

The salary range for this role is broad, as we are able to consider varying levels of experience. Any offer made will carefully take into account level of experience (including relevant industry experience), transferable relevant skills and previous relevant achievements.
About Us
Riverlane's mission is to master quantum error correction (QEC) and unlock a new age of human progress. From advances in material and climate science, to complex chemistry simulation for new drug design, quantum computers will help humanity solve some of its most important challenges. But without QEC, the industry's defining technical challenge, such breakthroughs can never be achieved. Riverlane is the world leader in QEC technology. QEC is a complex problem that requires a range of skills, talent and passion.

We recently raised $75 million to accelerate our cutting-edge R&D. We partner with many of the world's leading quantum computing companies and governments to accelerate their path to utility-scale quantum computers. We're making remarkable progress and growing fast. Join us

About The Role
This is a unique opportunity to play a critical role in driving Riverlane's qLDPC research in the US. Currently, our team focuses on qLDPC decoder research, and we are expanding into novel qLDPC codes and approaches to logical operations. As qLDPC Lead, you will help shape and guide this expansion - whether through leadership in code development, advancing decoder research, innovating in logical operations, or a combination of these areas. The scope of this role is flexible to match your expertise, while offering the opportunity to influence the full scope of our qLDPC research.

Working closely with other quantum science leads at Riverlane, you will identify skills gaps, guide hiring to build a world-class team, and ensure our research aligns with Riverlane's mission to deliver our Quantum Error Correction Stack.  You will collaborate extensively with our internal teams and world-leading partners, ensuring your contributions have a direct impact on the path to fault-tolerant quantum computing.

What You Will Do
As qLDPC Lead at Riverlane, your work will vary, depending on your specialism, and will include:

• Setting the technical direction for qLDPC research (covering any combination of code design, decoder development, and/or logical operations), in line with Riverlane's QEC roadmap and strategic research plan
• Performing original research in your area(s) of focus e.g. developing new qLDPC codes, designing and optimising decoders, or pioneering logical operation schemes
• Collaborating with teams across the QEC stack to integrate your work into Riverlane's end-to-end solutions
• Publishing high-impact papers and presenting at top international conferences
• Driving innovations that lead to patents and strengthen Riverlane's technology portfolio
• Building strong relationships with external collaborators and partners
• Acting as a scientific mentor and reviewer for colleagues' work

Requirements
What we need

• PhD in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical field (or equivalent professional experience)
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to discuss complex ideas with a variety of audiences in a clear, and simple way
• Substantial relevant industry or postdoctoral experience in quantum computing
• Deep expertise in high-rate qLDPC codes and/or decoders, evidenced by a strong research track record in this area
• Experience of leading scientific projects, involving multiple people
• Proven ability to undertake high-quality work, reflected by its impact on the broader community

Even better if you have

• Extensive technical experience and leadership in quantum error correction
• Substantial experience as a line manager or team lead
• Substantial experience as a hiring manager
• Knowledge of Python and/or C++
• Familiarity with hardware, such as FPGAs or ASICs
• A track record of winning contracts or grants
• Experience leading successful contract or grant proposals as a co-PI
• Experience with professional software development practices

Benefits
What you can expect from us

• A comprehensive benefits package that includes an annual bonus scheme, private medical insurance, life insurance and 401K contributions
• Equity, so that our team can share in the long-term success of Riverlane
• Generous paid time off, and enhanced family leave
• A diverse work environment that brings together experts in many fields (including software and hardware development, quantum information theory, physics and maths) and over 20 different nationalities
• A learning environment that encourages individual, team and company growth and learning, including training and conference budgets

How To Apply
Please upload a CV and covering letter by clicking 'Apply Now'. Your covering letter should explain why you are applying for the job and what skills and experience you can bring to the role.

We review CVs as we receive them and interview as soon as we have applications that look like a good match (usually within one week). We do not use closing dates. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this role.

If you have any queries, please contact

Everyone is welcome at Riverlane. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from eligible and suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender reassignment, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity/paternity.
Women and other underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a role unless they meet all or nearly all of the requirements. If this applies to you, we still encourage you to apply - you may be a great fit, even if you don't meet every single qualification. We'd love to hear from you.
If you need any adjustments made to the application or selection process so you can do your best, please let us know. We will be happy to help.