Quantum Solutions Scientist (PDEs)

Quantum computing holds the promise of humanity's mastery over the natural world, but only if we can build a real quantum computer. PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the first real, useful quantum computers, capable of delivering the world-changing applications that the technology has long promised. We know that means we will need to build a system with roughly 1 million qubits that supports fault tolerant error correction within 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 has determined the fastest path to delivering a useful quantum computer, years earlier than the rest of the industry. Our architecture is based on silicon photonics which gives us the ability to produce our components at Tier-1 semiconductor fabs such as GlobalFoundries where we leverage high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, the same processes that are already producing billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics applications. We also benefit from the quantum mechanics reality that photons don't feel heat or electromagnetic interference, allowing us to take advantage of existing cryogenic cooling systems and industry standard fiber connectivity.

In 2024, PsiQuantum announced two government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first Quantum Data Centers and utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia and Chicago, Illinois. Both projects are backed by nations that understand quantum computing's potential impact and the need to scale this technology to unlock that potential. And we won't just be building the hardware, but also the fault tolerant quantum applications that will provide industry-transforming results.

Quantum computing is not just an evolution of the decades-old advancement in compute power. It provides the key to mastering our future, not merely discovering it. The potential is enormous, and we have the plan to make it real. Come join us.

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 recruiting@psiquantum.com.

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.