Quantum Error Correction Scientist / Senior Quantum Error Correction Scientist

The Role

We are looking for a Quantum Error Correction Scientist to join our team developing the architecture and technologies needed for scalable, fault-tolerant photonic quantum computing.

You will research, develop and evaluate quantum error correction codes, decoders and fault-tolerant protocols, with a focus on their implementation in Aegiq's photonic quantum computing architecture. Your work will involve modelling realistic hardware noise, evaluating logical performance and understanding the resources needed to build reliable quantum computers at scale.

Working closely with our quantum architecture, software and experimental teams, you will help translate theoretical approaches into practical system requirements and engineering decisions. You'll investigate how different error correction strategies interact with our hardware and contribute directly to the development of our next-generation quantum computing systems.

This is an opportunity to tackle challenging problems in quantum computing, contribute to the technical direction of our architecture and see your research inform the development of real quantum hardware.

Depending on experience, the position may be offered at Senior Quantum Error Correction Scientist level.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Quantum Error Correction: Research, develop and simulate quantum error correction codes, decoders and fault-tolerant protocols for scalable quantum computing.
• Photonic Architecture: Investigate QEC approaches suited to photonic and measurement-based quantum computing, considering the capabilities and constraints of Aegiq's hardware architecture.
• Noise Modelling: Develop realistic models of hardware noise and loss, including photon loss, erasure errors and other relevant physical error mechanisms.
• Performance & Resource Analysis: Evaluate fault-tolerance thresholds, logical error rates, resource overheads and scalability. Compare different QEC approaches to understand their practical advantages and limitations.
• Decoder Development: Develop, implement and benchmark decoding algorithms, considering accuracy, computational performance and integration with quantum computing control systems.
• Hardware & Software Integration: Work closely with quantum architecture, experimental and software teams to translate QEC requirements into hardware specifications, control strategies and compilation approaches.
• Scientific Computing: Develop numerical simulations and research software to evaluate error correction protocols, validate theoretical models and support architectural decisions.
• Research & Collaboration: Contribute to technical publications, patents, research programmes and collaborative activities, communicating findings to colleagues across the company.

About Aegiq

Aegiq is a Sheffield-based quantum technology company developing scalable, fault-tolerant photonic quantum computers. Founded in 2019, we work across the full quantum computing stack, from semiconductor chips and photonic hardware to software and real-world applications.

In 2025, we delivered our first-generation quantum computer to the UK's National Quantum Computing Centre. We're now developing our second-generation platform and expanding our team to tackle the scientific and engineering challenges involved in building quantum computers at scale.

We're a growing team of scientists, engineers and specialists who enjoy solving difficult problems and turning new ideas into working technology. At Aegiq, you'll have the opportunity to take ownership of your work, contribute directly to the technology we're developing and help shape the future of the company.

We value different backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking. If you're excited about the work we're doing, we'd encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn't match every requirement listed.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

• Education: A PhD in Quantum Information, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent relevant research or industry experience.
• Quantum Computing Knowledge: A strong understanding of quantum information, quantum error correction, fault-tolerant quantum computing or closely related topics.
• Analytical Skills: Strong mathematical and numerical problem-solving skills, with the ability to investigate complex theoretical and computational problems.
• Scientific Programming: Experience using Python, C++ or similar programming languages to implement numerical simulations, algorithms or scientific software.
• Research & Development: Ability to independently investigate open-ended research problems, evaluate competing approaches and critically assess results.
• Technical Understanding: Ability to connect theoretical methods with practical implementation challenges, considering the capabilities and limitations of quantum computing hardware.
• Communication & Collaboration: Ability to communicate technical findings clearly and work effectively with colleagues across quantum theory, software and experimental engineering.

Nice to Have

• Experience designing, implementing or simulating quantum error correction codes and decoders.
• Knowledge of photonic quantum computing, measurement-based quantum computing or distributed quantum architectures.
• Experience modelling photon loss, erasure-biased noise or other hardware-specific error mechanisms.
• Familiarity with stabiliser codes, topological codes, subsystem codes or quantum LDPC codes.
• Experience with fault-tolerant logical operations, logical state preparation, lattice surgery or magic-state distillation.
• Experience performing fault-tolerance threshold calculations, logical error analysis or quantum resource estimation.
• Familiarity with QEC simulation and decoding tools such as Stim, PyMatching, Qiskit, Cirq or equivalent frameworks.
• Experience developing efficient decoding algorithms or evaluating computational requirements for real-time decoding.
• Experience with collaborative scientific software development, including Git, automated testing and continuous integration.
• Experience working with quantum hardware teams or translating theoretical requirements into experimental implementations.
• Experience contributing to collaborative research programmes or technical publications.
• Experience working in a startup, growing technology company or commercial research environment.

For Senior Scientist Applicants

Candidates considered for Senior Quantum Error Correction Scientist level should demonstrate an established track record in quantum error correction, fault-tolerant quantum computing or closely related research.

We would expect you to take ownership of substantial research activities, define technical approaches, make independent scientific decisions and contribute to the direction of Aegiq's fault-tolerant quantum computing architecture.

You should also be comfortable providing technical guidance and supporting the development of other team members.

We know that no two people have the same experience. If you're interested in the role and meet most, but not all, of the criteria, we'd still encourage you to apply.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, based on experience and skills.
• 25 days of annual leave, in addition to bank holidays and company closure days.
• A Sheffield-based workplace, with excellent transport links and a great balance of city life and affordability.

• The opportunity to join a growing company developing some of the most exciting technology in quantum computing.
• Meaningful responsibility from the outset, with opportunities to develop your skills, take on new challenges and grow your career as Aegiq expands.
• A friendly, collaborative and supportive working environment where different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are valued, and everyone is encouraged to contribute.