Research Associate in Quantum Computation

Location: South Kensington Campus

About the role:

Dr Zhenyu Cai’s research group in the Department of Computing seeks a highly motivated and exceptionally talented quantum theorist to lead projects aimed at developing a full-stack approach to suppressing errors in quantum hardware. This research focuses on achieving practical quantum computation by integrating techniques ranging from hardware-level noise suppression, quantum error mitigation, all the way to full fault-tolerant computation.

What you would be doing:

The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge theoretical research in topics including (but not limited to):

• Quantum architectures, compilation, and scalable quantum systems
• Quantum error correction
• Quantum error mitigation
• Hardware implementation of quantum error correction/mitigation protocols

This post is primarily funded by the EPSRC Quantum Technologies Fellowship held by Dr Cai. The appointee will benefit from Imperial’s vibrant quantum research environment, with opportunities for close collaboration with researchers across different departments and also under the Imperial Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science and Technology. Although theory-focused, the position encourages engagement with experimental partners, including existing industrial partners of the group like Quantum Motion, QuEra, IBM, Nvidia, etc. The project will support research visits and joint activities with these collaborators.

The research will involve both analytical work and numerical computations. The balance between analytical and numerical type work is flexible and can depend on the preferences and skills of the successful applicant. Access to high-performance computing facilities and cloud-based quantum hardware will be provided to support the simulation and verification of theoretical methods. 

What we are looking for:

• A PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research / industrial experience.
• Practical experience within a research environment and publication in relevant and refereed journals / conferences in the field of quantum computation.
• Experience of working with research funders and industrial partners
• Experience of error correction simulation using packages like Stim and/or conducting large quantum circuit simulation and experience of scientific programming involving HPC or GPU systems; experience of participating in collaborative software projects; use of GitHub or similar are desirable.

Please see job description for full list of requirements

What we can offer you:

You will have the opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution. Imperial College is currently ranked #2 in the QS world university rankings with the Department of Computing ranked top of the 2021 UK REF assessment.

You will receive a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year) and a comprehensive early career development support package including 10 training and development days.

Further Information 

*Candidates who have not been awarded a PhD you will be appointed at Research Assistant level within the salary range: £45,399 - £48,876 per annum

Full-time, Fixed term to start as soon as possible for 36 months

To apply, please click 'Apply’ to be redirected to our website.

In addition to completing the online application candidates should attach: 

• A curriculum vitae. Please highlight two or three most significant publications, each with a short paragraph (100 words or so) on their significance.
• A research statement describing your proposed research and how your experience meets the above requirements (do not exceed 3 pages excluding references). 

If you require any further details on the role, please contact Dr Zhenyu Cai: z.cai1@imperial.ac.uk 

For queries regarding the application process contact Jamie Perrins: j.perrins@imperial.ac.uk 

Closing Date: 18th October 2026 (midnight)