Position Summary

We have ongoing job openings for graduates / researchers / engineers to work with world-leading atomic electronics and quantum computing teams at Silicon Quantum Computing Pty Limited (SQC) based at UNSW Sydney.

The Quantum Applications Scientist supports the identification of use cases and algorithm development for a 100-qubit quantum processor, as the broader SQC team works to scale quantum devices from 10-qubit to 100-qubit architectures within the next 5 years. This will include the development of quantum algorithms for a variety of problem types, ranging from optimisation to machine learning. This position will focus on applications relevant to key industries, including the transport, finance, defence, telecommunications, and chemistry industries. The Quantum Applications Scientist will also examine the use of so-called noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era algorithms and their applicability for observing a quantum advantage.

The Quantum Applications Scientist will work closely with senior software, hardware, and processing engineers to develop algorithms to run on silicon-based quantum processors. This position reports to Professor Michelle Simmons and will work closely with Dr Casey Myers, the Algorithms and Applications Team Lead, and work alongside other staff and students funded by SQC as well as the Australian Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (CQC²T).

We are interested to hear from applicants with a broad range of career stages and backgrounds including academics, professionals, engineers, as well as postgraduate students nearing the completion of their degrees. The role and remuneration will be tailored to your expertise.

 

About SQC

SQC is an Australian private company, located at UNSW Sydney, at the forefront of global efforts to build a commercial-scale quantum computer and bring quantum computing to market. It was formed in May 2017 by the Commonwealth of Australia, UNSW Sydney, Telstra Corporation, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and the State of New South Wales. It was funded with A$83 million to acquire a portfolio of world-leading silicon quantum computing intellectual property (IP) developed over the previous twenty years at the Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communications Technology (CQC2T) and to commence a technical development program to build a silicon quantum computer.

Since May 2017, SQC has assembled a world-class team of quantum scientists, engineers and technicians, specialist equipment and globally unique laboratories at UNSW to further its program. In addition to its core processor technology, SQC is developing a ‘full stack’ quantum computer to ensure it can deliver a useful and manufacturable quantum device.

 

Opportunities and Accountabilities

+ Investigate quantum advantage with NISQ era algorithms

+ Explore the implementation of quantum algorithms on near-term, atom-based silicon hardware.

+ Adapt, tailor and develop quantum algorithms for industry focussed applications.

+ Determine the role quantum error correction will play in near- and medium-term quantum devices.

+ Work on the theory of quantum algorithms to better understand the medium- to long-term direction of quantum computing to determine when/how a quantum advantage can be achieved.

+ Conduct significant research in quantum algorithms.

+ Work with a multidisciplinary team of quantum physicists, engineers, technicians, postdoctoral researchers and PhD students for early-stage algorithm implementation on silicon-based quantum computer devices.

+ Generate high quality research publication output.

+ Provide technical assistance and training to the research staff and students working within SQC.

With further experience

In addition to the above:

+ Make a significant contribution to the field of quantum information.

+ Where appropriate, take leadership of research projects.

+ Work with a multidisciplinary team of quantum physicists, engineers, technicians, postdoctoral researchers and PhD students to identify early-stage opportunities for algorithm implementation on silicon-based quantum computer devices.

+ Supervise honours or other higher degree research students.

 

About the applicant

+ PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or relevant field, with work experience in a research environment.

+ Demonstrated research capabilities developing quantum algorithms and implementing algorithms on quantum computing architectures.

+ Experience using quantum error correction.

+ Experience writing high-performance algorithm implementation, preferably in Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or equivalent. GPU programming experience.

+ Experience with Python quantum computing packages, such as OpenQASM (Qiskit), Cirq, ProjectQ, or equivalent.

+ Experience modelling spin qubit systems.

+ Experience in troubleshooting and solving complex unplanned issues.

+ Well-organised, attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.

+ Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

+ Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

+ An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.

+ Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

With further experience

In addition to the above:

+ Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research.

+ Demonstrated outstanding research capabilities developing quantum algorithms and implementing algorithms on quantum computing architectures.

+ Experience developing quantum algorithms for industry applications.

+ Significant experience with Python quantum computing packages, such as OpenQASM (Qiskit), Cirq, ProjectQ, or equivalent.

+ Experience with the co-supervision of higher degree research students in quantum computing.