Senior Research Scientist

Role Overview

• Conduct high-level research in quantum computing, quantum photonics, quantum information science, or related areas.
• Develop novel scientific concepts, models, methods, and experimental or computational approaches aligned with Quandela’s technology strategy.
• Contribute to the design, analysis, and validation of quantum computing architectures, photonic quantum systems, components, algorithms, or enabling technologies.
• Translate scientific advances into tangible research outputs, including prototypes, demonstrators, technical reports, publications, patents, and internal know-how.
• Stay at the forefront of advances in quantum computing, integrated photonics, quantum hardware, and hardware/software architectures.
• Identify emerging scientific opportunities and contribute insights to guide long-term research directions.
• Provide scientific leadership within multidisciplinary R&D projects involving quantum physics, photonics, electronics, algorithms, and software engineering.
• Define and refine research objectives, technical milestones, and scientific work plans in collaboration with research leads, engineers, and program stakeholders.
• Support the transition from research concepts to proof-of-concept demonstrations, prototypes, and validation milestones.
• Contribute to technical roadmap development and ensure research activities remain aligned with company objectives and project deliverables.
• Review scientific results, challenge assumptions, and ensure rigorous research methodology and high-quality technical execution.
• Work closely with internal R&D teams to support project execution and milestone-driven progress.
• Contribute scientific content to research proposals, technical reports, program reviews, and stakeholder presentations.
• Support interactions with funding institutions, government agencies, universities, national laboratories, and industrial partners.
• Participate in collaborative research programs and help coordinate scientific contributions across internal and external teams.
• Represent Quandela at conferences, workshops, consortium meetings, and scientific events.
• Mentor junior scientists, postdoctoral researchers, engineers, and interns.
• Contribute to building a culture of scientific excellence, rigor, creativity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Share expertise through internal seminars, technical reviews, documentation, and scientific discussions.
• Help establish research best practices, technical standards, and collaborative working methods within a growing U.S. R&D environment.

Requirements

• PhD in physics, quantum information science, quantum technologies, photonics, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related field.
• Typically 7–10+ years of relevant research experience in quantum computing, quantum optics, photonics, or advanced quantum technologies.
• Strong publication record and demonstrated ability to produce high-quality scientific results.
• Deep understanding of at least one of the following areas:
• Quantum information science
• Photonic quantum computing
• Integrated photonics
• Quantum optics
• Quantum algorithms
• Quantum hardware architectures
• Quantum error correction or fault-tolerant computing
• Experience contributing to complex, multidisciplinary R&D projects.
• Ability to connect scientific vision with practical technical execution.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with scientists, engineers, project managers, executives, and external partners.
• Experience with government-funded research projects, technical reporting, or defense-related R&D programs is an asset.
• Familiarity with intellectual property generation, patents, or technology transfer is desirable.
• Eligibility Requirement: Applicants must be U.S. citizens to meet government program and security requirements.

Benefits

• The opportunity to lead strategic national programs at the forefront of quantum technologies
• A collaborative, innovative environment bridging cutting-edge science and industrial applications,
• Competitive compensation package, including relocation support if required.