Job Description

The Role

The Lead Researcher in Quantum Machine Learning will be a member of Terra Quantum's AI Applied Research team. This team is at the forefront of conducting both fundamental and applied research in the field of quantum machine learning. Although the Lead Researcher will focus on innovating in quantum machine learning, the role involves translating research findings into practical algorithmic software solutions. The Lead Researcher is expected to closely monitor and analyse scientific and industrial trends and needs across short-term, mid-term, and long-term horizons, specifically within the quantum technology and machine learning sectors, to guide the development and implementation of hybrid quantum-classical algorithms.

Reporting directly to the Director of AI, the Lead Researcher in Quantum Machine Learning plays a pivotal role in driving excellence within their team. They are not only detail-oriented but also possess a remarkable capacity for enthusiasm. By demonstrating commitment and passion for the mission, they inspire their team members to contribute to making quantum technologies widely accessible and to effect positive change globally.

The Responsibilities

The Lead Applied Researcher should expect to work in the following Quantum Machine Learning Team activities.

• Fundamental research in quantum machine learning
  • Developing quantum machine learning algorithms for different data processing tasks, e.g. time series, routing and planning, image, graph data, or natural language processing
  • Keeping up with state-of-the-art approaches in quantum machine learning
  • Analysing parametrised quantum circuits in their capacity to learn via a hybrid quantum-classical optimization loop
  • Utilizing metrics of, e.g., the Fisher information matrix, the effective dimension, and Fourier terms accessibility for parametrized quantum circuit ansatz analysis
  • Improving the trainability of parametrised quantum circuits through layerwise batch-entropy regularization and similar techniques
  • Interpreting and explaining quantum machine learning models. Analysing the flow of information through different architectures of quantum neural networks
  • Researching and understanding where the quantum brings the benefit to machine learning
  • Developing data encoding and data processing techniques for different types of quantum computers
  • Assisting in writing patent draft applications
  • Writing research papers for scientific journals

• Efficient implementation of quantum machine learning algorithms
  • Executing quantum machine learning algorithms on QPUs, e.g. of QuEra, IonQ, Rigetti, and IBM Q
  • Adjusting and improving implementation of hybrid quantum neural networks for different QPUs
  • Exploring and testing the best ways to hybridize classical machine learning solutions with quantum machine learning
  • Understanding the way to implement an efficient interaction of hardware (CPU, GPU) and software (PyTorch, Pennylane)
  • Assisting in the development of our quantum machine learning SDK
  • Optimising, at least theoretically, the code of hybrid quantum-classical machine learning solutions for faster execution

• Supporting industry projects implementation
  • Bringing in novel ideas based on industry needs in time-series, routing and planning, GenAI, and natural language processing tasks
  • Brainstorming on possibilities of quantum machine learning algorithms applications to our client’s industry problems
  • Working on finding a theoretical or empirical advantage of using hybrid quantum-classical machine learning in industrial problems
  • Assisting in writing applied industry research papers for scientific journals

The Requirements

The Lead Applied Researcher is expected to have several qualifications depending on the area of activity in quantum machine learning.

• PhD in computer science, physics, mathematics, electrical engineering, or equivalent subject is required
• Publication record in quantum machine learning, or variational quantum algorithms is required
• Advanced expertise in one or more quantum programming languages (Qiskit, Q#, Pennylane, Cirq, Quipper, Scaffold, tket) is required
• Advanced experience working with variational quantum algorithms for machine learning is required
• Experience working with the classical machine learning algorithms is required
• Computational learning theory expertise is optional
• Expert knowledge in Python is optional
• Expert knowledge in Pytorch and TensorFlow is optional
• Experience in programming for GPUs is optional
• Experience in working with QPUs is optional
• Goal-oriented, analytical and the ability to work independently
• Flexible, proactive, and creative with the ability to work in the team
• Highly motivated and resilient with the ability to work interdisciplinary
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the European Union or Switzerland. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

The Rewards

We are an international team of quantum technology experts and dedicated business creatives that are working to bring quantum-enabled solutions to the global market. Our brilliant team members enjoy a high degree of freedom working remotely or joining one of our office spaces. We have a vibrant, enthusiastic, passionate and creative culture driven by trust, excellence and continuous improvement. If you join the Terra Quantum team, you can expect:

• An opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the pioneering field of Quantum Technologies as well as an experienced and progressive Leadership team
• Gain knowledge of some of the most cutting-edge technology developments in science & engineering
• A chance to be part of one of Europe’s leading technology firms of the upcoming decades
• Welcoming, friendly, and professional colleagues
• A personal development plan with clear goals for advancement
• A competitive salary
• Flexible working arrangements
• A diverse and supportive atmosphere, where innovation and initiative are encouraged

If you are enthusiastic about positively impacting the world and helping to drive the second quantum revolution, let’s talk!

Quantum technologies have the potential to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. There have been great advances in all areas of quantum technologies, and new fields of application are opened up every day. Hybrid computer systems that combine classic high-performance computing with quantum computers are already being used to develop solutions in sectors such as logistics, healthcare, finance, energy, automotive and aerospace. Quantum mechanical predictions are also used to obtain unprecedented precision in measurements, generate unbreakable codes, and form the basis of impenetrable communication networks. All these developments are happening right now, and they are happening at Terra Quantum.

At Terra Quantum we are building the world’s leading Quantum Technology company. We offer customers world-class quantum technology expertise organized as “quantum-as-a-service”: hybrid quantum algorithms, quantum compute and quantum enabled security solutions. Through the proprietary quantum cloud, customers have access to a unique technology platform which provides a toolset to solve real-world challenges in the realms of machine learning, optimization and simulation, today. In 2022, the company closed its Series A financing round with a $75m fundraise.

Quantum physics has, in some respects, parallels to the machine language of our computers-the zeros and ones into which our keyboard or touchscreen instructions are translated for execution in the computer-only on a larger scale: it is the machine language of the universe. The second quantum revolution is based on the control of individual quantum systems, such as individual atoms. We use quantum computers to solve currently unsolvable problems, simulate molecules and their interactions, find drugs for diseases that are not yet curable, find new materials, or make artificial intelligence stronger. Quantum is now.

Terra Quantum is a future-focused quantum services and technology company working on making the second quantum revolution a reality. Terra Quantum’s activities span all areas, markets, and industries globally.

• Our purpose is to pioneer quantum technologies to change the world for good,
• Our vision is to lead the quantum revolution and be the trailblazer in technology solutions, shaping a better future for humankind to thrive in, and
• Our mission is to unleash the power of quantum tech to deliver meaningful solutions today

Terra Quantum is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity, inclusion and employee well-being.