Quantum Error Correction Researcher (Algorithms) at Riverlane (Cambridge, UK)

September 11, 2026
60000 - 85000 / year
Application ends: October 11, 2026
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Job Description

Riverlane is hiring a Quantum Error Correction Researcher (Algorithms) in Cambridge, UK, to research how logical operations work in error-correcting codes and to use that to optimise and compile fault-tolerant quantum algorithms.

At a glance

  • Role: Quantum Error Correction Researcher (Algorithms)
  • Where: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
  • Pay: £60,000–85,000, depending on experience
  • Level: PhD in physics, theoretical chemistry, mathematics, computer science or similar
  • Hours: full-time, or part-time on request
  • Apply: open until filled (re-checked 11 October 2026)

About the QEC algorithms role

  • Research logical operations in quantum error-correcting codes and apply them to optimising and compiling fault-tolerant algorithms
  • Take part in academic research: reading literature, journal clubs, writing papers and presenting at conferences
  • Write code to test ideas and contribute to software-based research outputs and products
  • Lead or contribute to projects with small, cross-disciplinary teams
  • Work with other Riverlane teams to connect your work with related research
  • Build relationships with partners and collaborators in industry and academia

Every quantum computer makes errors far more often than a classical chip, so useful machines will need quantum error correction running continuously, with decoders fast enough to keep up with the hardware. Riverlane works on that layer for many hardware makers at once, which gives its researchers exposure to several qubit technologies.

What Riverlane is looking for

  • A PhD with strong academic performance in a mathematically focused subject such as physics, theoretical chemistry, mathematics or computer science
  • Curiosity and motivation to learn new topics across quantum error correction and quantum algorithms
  • The ability to work independently and in a team, sharing progress clearly
  • Strong written and spoken communication

Nice to have

  • Experience with quantum algorithms or applications of quantum computing
  • Experience designing and running numerical simulations
  • Research experience in quantum error correction, in academia or industry

Pay and location

Riverlane lists a salary of £60,000–85,000, depending on experience. The role is based in Cambridge, UK. Riverlane’s UK package includes an annual bonus plan, private medical and life insurance, a contributory pension, equity, and 28 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.

How to apply

Apply through the official Riverlane job posting. Riverlane’s posting does not give a closing date, so the role is open until filled; ResearchJobs.in will re-check this listing on 11 October 2026. Riverlane will also consider part-time applications; state your preferred working schedule in your cover letter. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.

See all our quantum technology jobs, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.

Hiring institution: Riverlane

Official advertisement: job-boards.eu.greenhouse.io

How to prepare for this application

  • Logical operations: revise lattice surgery, transversal gates and magic-state distillation, and how each affects algorithm cost.
  • Resource estimation: be ready to discuss how a fault-tolerant algorithm is compiled and costed in logical qubits and time.
  • Your PhD in context: theoretical chemists and mathematicians are welcome; prepare a short story linking your thesis methods to QEC or algorithms.
  • Simulations: bring an example of a numerical simulation you designed and what it showed.
  • Reading list: recent papers on fault-tolerant compilation will help you ask sharp questions.

About Riverlane

Riverlane's mission is to master quantum error correction (QEC), the technology needed to turn today's error-prone quantum machines into useful, fault-tolerant computers. The company has raised more than US$125 million for its QEC research and development, and works with many of the leading quantum hardware makers, across all qubit types, as well as with government agencies, while it builds a complete QEC stack.