As a Lead Quantum Device Theorist, you will play a central role in advancing the performance of our superconducting quantum processors. This position requires deep expertise in circuit QED, quantum device physics, and noise modeling for quantum error correction (QEC). You will work closely with experimental teams to model processor dynamics and lead efforts to improve qubit readout fidelity and quantum gate performance across our R&D platforms.
This role demands strong cross-functional collaboration with specialists in qubit readout, gate calibration, control systems, and superconducting circuit design. Together, you will drive innovations that support scalable architectures, quantum advantage, and fault-tolerant error correction.
We are seeking a candidate who excels at solving complex device-physics challenges in large-scale superconducting quantum processors. You will develop mitigation strategies grounded in first-principles modeling, including optimal Hamiltonian engineering, noise-spectral analysis, and system-level simulations spanning design, and post-deployment characterization. This role requires deep expertise in circuit QED, tunable coupler architectures, multi-level system dynamics, and decoherence mechanisms, along with the ability to translate theoretical insights into experimentally actionable improvements in gate and readout performance. Strong collaboration across device design, calibration, and control teams is essential.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and maintain advanced simulation tools to accurately model noise sources in flux-tunable superconducting qubits
Model and analyze entangling gate operations on superconducting quantum processors
Apply optimal control techniques to improve quantum gate and readout performance
Develop analytical tools to interpret experimental measurements and diagnose performance anomalies
Perform detailed error-budget modeling to support quantum error correction (QEC) efforts
Collaborate cross-functionally with teams in gate operations, measurement, device design, applications, algorithms, and control engineering.
Required Qualifications
Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, plus 5+ years of relevant work experience
Modeling noise in large scale processors and inform Hamiltonian designs
Experience simulating open quantum systems
Experience collaborating with experimentalists on readout and noise characterization; analyzing and interpreting experimental data, and predicting anomalies
Background in gate-based quantum computing or superconducting circuits, either academically or in industry
Demonstrated depth and breadth in circuit QED physics, including Hamiltonian modeling, dispersive readout theory, and multi-qubit coupling architectures
Proven expertise in noise modeling for quantum error correction, including coherent and incoherent error channels, leakage, crosstalk, and correlated noise
Strong programming skills in Python for scientific applications
Ability to excel in a collaborative environment
Excellent communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with optimal control theory applied to superconducting qubits.
Familiarity with quantum error correction codes and fault-tolerant architectures.
Track record of publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals.
Experience with high-performance computing or GPU-accelerated simulations.
Proficiency with scientific computing libraries such as QuTiP, or Stim.
Skills Required
- Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- 5+ years of relevant work experience
- Modeling noise in large scale processors and inform Hamiltonian designs
- Experience simulating open quantum systems
- Background in gate-based quantum computing or superconducting circuits
- Expertise in noise modeling for quantum error correction
- Strong programming skills in Python for scientific applications
- Ability to excel in a collaborative environment
- Excellent communication skills
- Experience with optimal control theory applied to superconducting qubits
- Familiarity with quantum error correction codes and fault-tolerant architectures
- Track record of publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals
- Experience with high-performance computing or GPU-accelerated simulations
What We Do
Rigetti Computing is building the world’s most powerful computers to help solve humanity’s most pressing and important problems. These systems will perform computations that today’s fastest supercomputers are incapable of — unlocking entirely new classes of problems and offering a direct path to solutions. We believe quantum computing is going to significantly affect health care, how we treat disease, how we generate energy, and how we feed humanity. Our superconducting quantum computing systems are available over the cloud via Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services. We were founded in 2013 by Chad Rigetti. We are located in Berkeley and Fremont, California, and have employees based all over the world.
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