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Principal Quantum Error Correction (QEC) Investigator
Boston, MA, US | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid
Salary: $180,000 to $245,000 DOE  

The salary range for this role is broad, as we are able to consider varying levels of experience. Any offer made will carefully take into account level of experience (including relevant industry experience), transferable relevant skills and previous relevant achievements.

Location note: For the right candidate, we are also able to consider this role on a fully remote basis from other parts of the US.  In such cases, compensation will be adjusted accordingly, in line with the local market.

About us 

Riverlane's mission is to master quantum error correction (QEC) and unlock a new age of human progress. From advances in material and climate science, to complex chemistry simulation for new drug design, quantum computers will help humanity solve some of its most important challenges. But without QEC, the industry's defining technical challenge, such breakthroughs can never be achieved.  Riverlane is the world leader in QEC technology. QEC is a complex problem that requires a range of skills, talent and passion.  

Having raised more than $125M in funding to date to accelerate our cutting-edge R&D in quantum error correction (QEC), Riverlane partners with many of the world's leading quantum hardware providers and government agencies to make fault-tolerant quantum computing a reality. We're making remarkable progress and growing fast. 

About the role
As a Principal Investigator, QEC at Riverlane, you will lead some of the company's highest-value, most strategically important research programs - collaborations with world-class national laboratories, government agencies, and major research institutions. These partnerships sit at the core of accelerating the path to utility-scale quantum computing, and require scientific inventiveness, technical depth, and the ability to shape the direction of ambitious, multi-stakeholder initiatives.

You will operate across Riverlane's highly collaborative Research and Engineering organization, working alongside mathematicians, physicists, computer scientists, and hardware and software engineers to push the frontier of quantum error correction. In this senior role, you will blend hands-on research with technical leadership, setting scientific direction, representing Riverlane to external partners at the highest technical level, and - when opportunities arise - building and mentoring a small research team. This is a role for someone who wants to have impact at scale: defining new research directions, influencing the national QEC landscape, and contributing directly to solving the defining challenge of quantum computing.

What you will do

As a Principal Investigator, QEC at Riverlane, your work will vary, but typical activities may include:

• Conceive, conduct, and lead original research in quantum error correction and related areas
• Define and own the technical direction for externally funded research programs
• Act as Principal Investigator with responsibility for technical delivery against agreed milestones
• Drive research projects from concept through execution, working hands-on where appropriate
• Publish high-quality research in leading journals and conferences, and present results at major venues
• Lead technical contributions to competitive funding proposals and oral evaluations
• Serve as Riverlane's senior technical interface to government agencies, national labs, and research partners
• Mentor researchers and contribute to Riverlane's research culture and technical excellence
• As programs grow and funding allows, there may be opportunities to build and lead a small research team

What we need

• PhD in mathematics, physics, computer science, or a related technical field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Experience as Principal Investigator engaging with different stakeholders (ideally in the government sector). 
• Track record of driving projects on time whilst meeting or exceeding expectations.
• Experience leading projects involving multiple people
• Ability to work effectively both independently, and as part of a team
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to discuss complex ideas with a variety of audiences in a clear way
• Must be able to obtain a US government clearance if required.

Even better if

• You have experience leading collaborations with national labs, major research facilities, or government-funded consortia.
• You have contributed to or led large-scale, multi-year scientific programs or center-level research initiatives.
• You bring deep expertise in one or more QEC-relevant areas such as fault-tolerant architectures, decoding algorithms, noise characterization, or system-level performance analysis.
• You have experience integrating quantum or HPC research with real hardware systems, simulators, or large-scale testbeds.
• You have a strong network across the quantum computing research landscape and are comfortable representing an organization at senior technical forums.
• You have a track record of securing significant external funding through competitive grants or program-level proposals.
• You have mentored, coached, or supervised early-career researchers or research engineers, formally or informally.

What can you expect from us 

• A comprehensive benefits package that includes an annual bonus plan, private medical insurance, life insurance and 401K contributions 
• Equity, so that our team can share in the long-term success of Riverlane 
• Generous paid time off, and enhanced family leave 
• A diverse work environment that brings together experts in many fields (including software and hardware development, quantum information theory, physics and math) and over 20 different nationalities 
  
• A learning environment that encourages individual, team and company growth and learning, including training and conference budgets 

How to apply 

Please upload a CV and cover letter by clicking 'Apply'. Your cover letter should explain why you are applying for the job and what skills and experience you can bring to the role. 

We review CVs as we receive them and interview as soon as we have applications that look like a good match. We do not use closing dates. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this role.  

If you have any queries, please contact jobs@riverlane.com. 

Everyone is welcome at Riverlane. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from eligible and suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender reassignment, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity/paternity. 

Studies have shown that women tend to apply to jobs if they meet all or almost all of the requirements whereas men apply even if they meet only some of the requirements. If that sounds like you then please apply - we are happy to review your application and let you know if we think you might be a good fit. 

If you need any adjustments made to the application or selection process so you can do your best, please let us know. We will be happy to help. 

GDPR notice: Riverlane collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a European Job Applicant see the privacy notice for further details.

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