Junior Quantum Scientist (Theory\u0026Algorithm Unit)

About the role

{"id":1097040,"type":"requisition_detail","name":"Job Description","value":"## About OptQC\nOptQC is a deep-tech startup spun out of the University of Tokyo, founded with the mission of achieving the social implementation and commercialization of \"optical quantum computers.\"\nWhile multiple modalities exist in the quantum computing landscape, we focus on the optical quantum approach. We are confident that this method is the most suitable for practical application and widespread adoption due to its inherent scalability and seamless integration with optical communications. Through continuous research and development, we aim to balance energy efficiency with high computing power, overcome the limits of human information processing, and contribute to a sustainable society.\n\n## Background\nThe Theory \u0026 Algorithm Unit is strengthening its team to further accelerate R\u0026D aimed at enabling real-world applications of photonic quantum computers.\nFrom developing quantum algorithms and middleware for current and future photonic quantum computing platforms to establishing the theoretical foundations of quantum advantage and quantum supremacy, we explore the applications and potential of photonic quantum computing from a theoretical perspective.\nFor this position, we are seeking highly motivated candidates with strong potential, a keen interest in photonic quantum information processing, and the ambition to become future leaders at the forefront of the field through quantum algorithms and their underlying theory.\n\n## Key Responsibilities\nThis position involves the research and development of software and theory related to optical quantum computers.\nYou will provide support for the duties listed below.\n\n- Exploration, design, development, and research of short-, medium-, and long-term applications for optical quantum computers (e.g., Quantum Machine Learning, QAOA, optimization problems, quantum communication, optical communication, quantum chemistry, FTQC, etc.)\n- Theoretical foundations of photonic quantum advantage and quantum supremacy\n- Research on the architecture of optical quantum computers\n- Implementation of quantum algorithms using our proprietary optical quantum hardware, as well as the exploration of methods to optimize implementation efficiency\n\n*This role is primarily expected to operate within small team environments.\n*Depending on your interests and preferences, you may also have opportunities to take the lead on some of these activities.\n\n## The Role \u0026 Impact\nIn this position, you will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the realization of practical photonic quantum computers—an area attracting considerable attention worldwide—not by building the computers themselves, but by developing ways to put them to meaningful use.\nQuantum algorithms for continuous-variable systems and their underlying fundamental research remain largely unexplored. You will tackle open problems with new ideas while advancing your understanding of quantum information theory and physics.\nBy working closely with teams developing actual photonic quantum computing hardware, you will also gain in-depth knowledge of cutting-edge research and quantum technologies.","selected":true},{"id":1097041,"type":"requisition_detail","name":"Required Qualifications","value":"- Completed or expected to complete a Master's degree or higher in engineering, science, or a related field\n- Foundational knowledge of quantum computing, quantum information theory, and quantum algorithms\n- Basic programming skills, as well as numerical computation and simulation skills\n- Ability to read, comprehend, and write academic research papers\n- Communication skills suitable for various professional environments, including corporations and research institutions","selected":true},{"id":1097042,"type":"requisition_detail","name":"Preferred Qualifications","value":"- Experience writing scientific papers as a first author.\n- Experience in both experimental and theoretical research.\n- Conversational proficiency in Japanese.\n- Experience working at a quantum computing-related company.\n- Knowledge, research experience, and implementation experience regarding continuous-variable (CV) quantum algorithms\n- Knowledge and implementation experience regarding classical machine learning and neural networks.\n- Experience conducting research using actual quantum hardware.\n- Basic knowledge of continuous-variable quantum error-correction architectures.\n- Basic knowledge of experimental implementations of continuous-variable photonic quantum computing.\n- Experience conducting R\u0026D within small teams.\n- Experience collaborating and conducting joint research with experimentalists.","selected":true},{"id":1097043,"type":"requisition_detail","name":"Ideal Candidate Profile","value":"- Individuals with a broad perspective who can tackle the development of various quantum algorithms\n- Individuals eager to take on both the pure physics of quantum algorithm research and the practical implementation on real quantum hardware\n- Individuals who are eager to co-create new value with a variety of internal and external stakeholders and organizations.\n- Individuals who are eager to put their ideas to meaningful use in society through real optical quantum computers.","selected":true},{"id":1097044,"type":"requisition_detail","name":"Salary","value":"JPY 10 million – 13 million (Determined based on experience and skills)","selected":true},{"id":1097045,"type":"requisition_detail","name":"Location","value":["15th Floor, IT tower TOKYO, 3-28-13 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0021, Japan"],"selected":true},{"id":1097079,"type":"requisition_detail","name":"Employment Type","value":"Full-time","selected":true},{"id":1098021,"type":"requisition_detail","name":"Hiring Process","value":"- Document Screening *Please submit a publication list\n- Interview (2–3 rounds) *Includes a research / work presentation\n- Offer Meeting\n\n[Additional Information]\n- Interviews are generally conducted online; however, candidates will be required to visit our office at least once.\n - Please consult with us if this is difficult for you.\n - Transportation expenses will be reimbursed for candidates traveling from distant locations (subject to company regulations).\n- Reference checks may be requested during the selection process.\n- The selection process and the number of interview rounds are subject to change.","selected":true}

Source: OptQC's careers page via Html. Read by TQI on 1 Nov 2026.