Senior Quantum Algorithm Developer – Optimization

Role Overview

• Lead end-to-end R&D projects in quantum optimization within the Quantum Graph Optimization (QGO) team: from initial technical discussions and problem definition to delivery and handover of the project
• Investigate and synthesize the state of the art (academic and industrial literature) to identify relevant directions, assess feasibility, and propose impactful research paths
• Develop and scale quantum optimization use cases on Pasqal quantum processors: improve and extend existing use cases; identify, evaluate and develop new ones, with a focus on combinatorial optimization
• Translate real-world problems into optimization formulations and evaluate solution strategies using a mix of analytical reasoning and numerical experimentation
• Design and carry out benchmarking and feasibility studies, including assessing the limits of classical approaches and identifying realistic paths to quantum advantage
• Develop solutions and experimental pipelines in close collaboration with the software engineering team, using emulation backends locally and on HPC where appropriate
• Work hardware-aware: investigate realistic implementations on neutral-atom hardware (analog and digital paradigms), including parameter constraints, noisy emulations and practical limitations
• Define roadmaps for quantum utility experiments and collaborate closely with hardware R&D teams to realize them
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (Engineering, R&D, academic and industrial partners, and customers) across all project phases, ensuring alignment on technical scope, success criteria and deliverables
• Contribute to Pasqal's intellectual property strategy, including identifying novel ideas and supporting invention disclosures and patent filings where appropriate
• Support collective execution and knowledge sharing, including assisting with code/components outside your direct ownership when needed and contributing to ongoing scientific monitoring activities
• Monitor and respond to calls for project proposals, helping to shape and coordinate Pasqal's submissions and participation in collaborative R&D programs.

Requirements

• PhD in combinatorial optimization, quantum computing or a related field and at least 3 years of post-PhD experience
• Strong background in combinatorial optimization: familiarity with classical problems, linear programming, constraint programming, heuristics, metaheuristics, complexity theory, graph theory
• R&D mindset: ability to explore, prototype, evaluate and iterate on new approaches
• Programming skills (Python): software engineering best practices such as version control, testing and documentation
• Solid experience in algorithm evaluation and analysis: experiment design, reproducibility, performance analysis
• Ability to collaborate with engineering and R&D teams across disciplines
• Knowledge of intellectual property: ability to identify patentable ideas and support IP drafting processes
• Project leadership: plan and drive end-to-end projects, manage milestones and risks
• Stakeholder relationship skills: manage technical relationships with industrial and academic partners
• Experience with EU projects: monitoring and responding to European calls for proposals, proposal writing, working in consortia
• Knowledge of quantum computing, with an interest in analog approaches based on neutral atoms
• Experience in quantum optimization.

Tech Stack

• Python
• TypeScript

Benefits

• Permanent contract based in Europe
• Dynamic, close-knit international team
• Key role in a fast-growing deep-tech startup
• Time allocated for training and attendance at conferences and meetups