The Role 

The Senior Applied Researcher is part of Terra Quantum’s research and development & delivery organization, which is responsible for conducting the core research in quantum computing and implementing the algorithms in a form of the software product, ensuring the company’s ability to implement it, and aligning the product vision with the corporate vision. The Senior Applied Researcher reports to the Program Manager supporting continuous research and development and improvement, including algorithms engineering, -research, -design. With a clear and customer-oriented product mindset, the Senior Applied Researcher technically guides junior members of their team in targeted and efficient algorithms engineering. Working closely with product management and -strategy, the Senior Applied Researcher understands all the technical aspects of developing scalable, easy-to-use, secure, practical, and intuitive software. Also, the Senior Applied Researcher will understand the market needs in terms of quantum technology and what can be built on the research output.   

With an eye for detail, the Senior Applied Researcher helps their teams strive for perfection and has a capacity for enthusiasm and shows their team that they partake in the paramount mission to make quantum technologies broadly available and accessible and change the world for the better. 

The Responsibilities 

The Senior Applied Researcher should expect to work in one or more areas of the Quantum Machine Learning Team activities. 

Fundamental research in quantum machine learning 

• Keeping up with state-of-the-art approaches in quantum machine learning 
• Analysing parametrised quantum circuits in their capacity to learn via a hybrid quantum-classical optimization loop 
• Utilizing metrics of, e.g., the Fisher information matrix, the effective dimension, and Fourier terms accessibility for parametrized quantum circuit ansatz analysis 
• Improving the trainability of parametrised quantum circuits through layerwise batch-entropy regularization and similar techniques 
• Analyzing the flow of information through different architectures of quantum neural networks
• Researching and understanding where the quantum brings the benefit in machine learning
• Developing data encoding and data processing techniques for QPUs
• Developing quantum machine learning algorithms for different data processing tasks, e.g. time series, image, graph data, or natural language processing
• Writing scientific papers 

Efficient implementation of quantum machine learning algorithms 

• Python programming and benchmarking quantum and hybrid quantum-classical algorithms through the search of the efficient interaction of hardware (CPU, GPU, TPU) and software (Cirq, Pennylane, Qiskit) 
• Developing, or assisting in the development, of a quantum machine learning SDK for our high-performance hybrid quantum algorithm simulator within the QMware Cloud 
• Optimising the code of hybrid quantum-classical machine learning solutions for faster execution 
• Implementing a neural architecture search for hybrid quantum-classical neural networks
• Executing quantum machine learning algorithms on QPUs, e.g. of IonQ, Rigetti, IBM Q. and D-Wave 

Industry projects implementation 

• Bringing in novel ideas based on industry needs (chemistry, pharmaceutical, energy, financial, automotive, space) and the state-of-the-art scientific literature 
• Researching the existing classical and quantum machine learning solutions to industry problems
• Exploring and testing the best ways to hybridize classical machine learning solutions with quantum machine learning
• Python programming machine learning algorithms, quantum machine learning algorithms, and hybrid quantum machine learning algorithms 
• Working on finding a theoretical or empirical advantage of using hybrid quantum-classical machine learning in industrial problems
• Writing results as academic papers 

The Requirements    The Senior Applied Researcher is expected to have several qualifications depending on the area of activity in quantum machine learning. 

• Degree in computer science, physics, mathematics, electrical engineering, or equivalent subject 
• Advanced expertise in one or more quantum programming languages (Qiskit, Q#, Pennylane, Cirq, Quipper, Scaffold, tket) 
• Publication record in quantum machine learning, or variational quantum algorithms 
• Experience working with the classical machine learning algorithms 
• Advanced experience working with variational quantum algorithms for machine learning and/or quantum optimization
• Computational learning theory expertise
• Quantum systems extensive knowledge
• Expert knowledge in Python
• Expert knowledge in Pytorch and TensorFlow
• Experience in programming for GPUs and/or TPUs
• Experience in working with QPUs
• Goal-oriented, analytical and the ability to work independently
• Flexible, proactive, and creative with the ability to work in a team
• Highly motivated and resilient with the ability to work interdisciplinary 
• Proficiency in written and spoken English 

The Rewards 

We are an international team of quantum technology experts and dedicated business creatives that are working to bring quantum-enabled solutions to the global market. Our brilliant team members enjoy a high degree of freedom working remotely or joining one of our office spaces. We have a vibrant, enthusiastic, passionate and creative culture driven by trust, excellence and continuous improvement. If you join the Terra Quantum team, you can expect: 

• An opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the pioneering field of Quantum Technologies as well as an experienced and progressive Leadership team
• Gain knowledge of some of the most cutting-edge technology developments in science & engineering 
• A chance to be part of one of Europe’s leading technology firms of the upcoming decades
• Welcoming, friendly, and professional colleagues
• A personal development plan with clear goals for advancement
• A competitive salary 
• A performance related bonus 
• Flexible working arrangements 
• A diverse and supportive atmosphere, where innovation and initiative are encouraged  

If you are enthusiastic about positively impacting the world and helping to drive the second quantum revolution, let’s talk! 

Company description 

Quantum technologies have the potential to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. There have been great advances in all areas of quantum technologies, and new fields of application are opened up every day. Hybrid computer systems that combine classic high-performance computing with quantum computers are already being used to develop solutions in sectors such as logistics, healthcare, finance, energy, automotive and aerospace. Quantum mechanical predictions are also used to obtain unprecedented precision in measurements, generate unbreakable codes, and form the basis of impenetrable communication networks. All these developments are happening right now, and they are happening at Terra Quantum. 

At Terra Quantum we are building the world’s leading Quantum Technology company. We offer customers world-class quantum technology expertise organized as “quantum-as-a-service”: hybrid quantum algorithms, quantum compute and quantum enabled security solutions. Through the proprietary quantum cloud, customers have access to a unique technology platform which provides a toolset to solve real-world challenges in the realms of machine learning, optimization and simulation, today. In 2022, the company closed its Series A financing round with a $75m fundraise. 

Quantum physics has, in some respects, parallels to the machine language of our computers-the zeros and ones into which our keyboard or touchscreen instructions are translated for execution in the computer-only on a larger scale: it is the machine language of the universe. The second quantum revolution is based on the control of individual quantum systems, such as individual atoms. We use quantum computers to solve currently unsolvable problems, simulate molecules and their interactions, find drugs for diseases that are not yet curable, find new materials, or make artificial intelligence stronger. Quantum is now. 

Terra Quantum is a future-focused quantum services and technology company working on making the second quantum revolution a reality. Terra Quantum’s activities span all areas, markets, and industries globally. 

• Our purpose is to pioneer quantum technologies to change the world for good,
• Our vision is to lead the quantum revolution and be the trailblazer in technology solutions, shaping a better future for humankind to thrive in, and
• Our mission is to unleash the power of quantum tech to deliver meaningful solutions today

Terra Quantum is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity, inclusion and employee well-being.