Quantum Solutions Scientist (PDEs)

We believe quantum computing will change everything.  It will have the power to transform the foundations of giant industries that rely on intensive computation.  PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the world’s first useful quantum computer, capable of delivering these transformative results.  We know that means it will need 1 million qubits, error correction, a scalable architecture and a data center footprint.

By harnessing the laws of quantum physics, quantum computers can provide exponential performance increases over today’s most powerful supercomputers, offering the potential for extraordinary advances across a broad range of industries including climate, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials design, and many more. 

PsiQuantum is uniquely positioned to deliver on the promise of quantum computing years earlier than our competitors. Our architecture is based on photonics which gives us the ability to produce our components using existing high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, the same processes that are today producing billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics applications. Since photons don’t feel heat, we can take advantage of existing cryogenic cooling systems, the kind that have been operating at facilities like the Stanford Linear Accelerator (SLAC).  And because photons are in fact light, they can move between subsystems at tremendous speed using standard fiber connectivity.

Our team is building a utility scale quantum computer and the software tools needed to build fault tolerant quantum applications. We’re a highly motivated and collaborative group focused on a singular goal - building the world’s first useful quantum computer on the fastest path possible. 

There’s much more work to be done and we are looking for exceptional talent to join us on this extraordinary journey! 

Job Summary:

Are you eager to pioneer the use of fault-tolerant quantum computers (FTQCs) to solve classically intractable partial differential equations (PDEs)? As a Quantum Solutions Scientist for PDEs, you will develop and apply new techniques for solving PDEs and ODEs on FTQCs. You will be part of a rapidly growing team of mathematicians, physicists, and quantum information scientists, collaborating to design numerical PDE methods suited for quantum hardware and to pinpoint high-value industrial use cases benefiting from FTQCs.

This position is ideal for someone with a Ph.D.-level education in numerical methods for PDEs, with a strong theoretical grounding and (preferably) industry exposure. Working within the Quantum Solutions team, you will also collaborate closely with our Quantum Algorithm and Business Development teams. Your insights into state-of-the-art PDE solution methods will help guide our strategic direction, ensuring that quantum computing delivers meaningful advantages to a variety of industries.

If you have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for tackling complex problems, and a drive to shape the future of quantum computing, we encourage you to apply and become a key contributor in our innovative and dynamic environment.

Experience/Qualifications:

Required

• Ph.D. in mathematics, computational physics, or a closely related field with a focus in numerical PDE methods OR a master’s degree in applied mathematics, computational physics, or a related field plus several years of industrial experience in numerical PDE methods.
• Experience across
  • Different PDE systems (e.g., semi-classical/classical-quantum dynamics, high-dim linear ODEs/PDEs, nonlinear PDEs, stiff problems, use of large linear systems in solving PDEs, dynamic mode decomposition, Koopman operator theory, …)
  • Different solution methods (e.g., Finite Volume, Finite Elements, structure-preserving integration, Runge-Kutta methods, …)
  • Diverse application areas (e.g., Maxwell’s equations, Boltzmann equation, high-dimensional reaction-diffusion equations, coupled oscillators, Navier-Stokes equation, …). 

Note: Applicants are not required to have experience across all mentioned areas. 

• A passion for advancing the intersection of mathematics, quantum computing, and industry applications.
•  Enjoy working in a collaborative, fast-paced team environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a track record of innovative contributions/publications in the field of PDEs.

Highly Preferred

• Proven ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and translate mathematical concepts into practical solutions.
• Industry experience with a successful record of tackling real-world PDE challenges.

Preferred

• Familiarity with quantum computing and algorithms.
• Demonstrated scientific communication skills, such as peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities: 

1. Impact Assessment: Collaborate with quantum algorithm experts to determine where quantum computing can provide the greatest scientific and economic benefits for PDEs. Help prioritize the effective deployment of a suite of FTQC algorithms across a portfolio of opportunities.
2. Technical Leadership and Interface with Experts: Contribute your non-quantum expertise to in-house quantum algorithm development. Serve as a technical lead in customer projects by collaborating with customers’ teams to integrate quantum computing outputs into existing customer workflows. Serve as a bridge between partner teams and PsiQuantum’s quantum information experts, influencing algorithm selection, prioritization, development, and deployment.
3. Workflow Development: Create computational frameworks that combine best-in-class conventional methods (e.g., high-performance computing) with cutting-edge FTQC to redefine PDE solution strategies.
4. Collaboration: Build strong relationships with the Applications team to leverage quantum algorithms for PDE projects across various industries.
5. External Engagement: Shape presentations and materials that highlight FTQC applications in PDEs for industry experts, media, and partners.
6. Partnerships and Collaborations: Foster external collaborations through meetings, problem-solving sessions, and proposal drafting to advance PDE quantum research.
7. Documentation: Prepare organized internal reports and document progress on all initiatives and directions explored.

Join us in pioneering a new frontier of quantum-enabled solutions. Your expertise in PDEs can help realize the transformative potential of fault-tolerant quantum computing.

PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.

Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to [email protected].

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.