Research Scientist, Quantum Algorithms and Software

Are you interested in quantum computing and looking for an exciting opportunity in the field? Are you enthusiastic about working with fascinating projects in state-of-the-art research facilities? VTT might be just the place for you. VTT is one of the leading applied research organisations in Europe. What unites us are curiosity, a passion for learning and a purpose: to solve the biggest challenges of our time and turn them into sustainable growth and well-being. Our cross-disciplinary community of over 2000 brilliant minds from 55+ different nationalities focuses on creating impact through science-based innovation.

We are now looking for a Research Scientist to join our Quantum Algorithms and Software team and actively contribute to our research. As a scientist at VTT, you can make an impact. Our researchers work closely together with industry, often in interdisciplinary research groups. VTT has excellent research infrastructure and internal services to support your research work.

With a strong background in quantum computing, you will play an important role in developing, implementing, and evaluating quantum algorithms and applications workflows for near-term and future quantum computing platforms. You will be expected to identify and solve challenging problems independently while collaborating closely with experts in quantum hardware, software engineering, and application development.

Your work will focus on designing and benchmarking quantum algorithms classes, developing specific software tools and methods, exploring practical applications of quantum computing, and testing your ideas on VTT's quantum computers.

You will contribute to the new UnloQ joint project (VTT, University of Helsinki, University of Jyväskylä) which targets the most significant problems in quantum computing: device noise and sensitivity to disturbance, which complicate the identification of the technology's commercial value. Rather than waiting for hardware to mature, the project builds practical pathways for businesses to adopt quantum computing, developing noise-tolerant methods and industrial pilots.

You will be part of the team that develops quantum algorithms and operates VTT's superconducting quantum computers. VTT currently hosts a 53-qubit quantum processor and, through a joint development program with IQM, is building a 150-qubit superconducting quantum computer scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026, followed by a 300-qubit system in 2027.

As a research team, we explore the performance and scalability of quantum algorithms on current-generation hardware, develop and benchmark quantum error correction codes, design innovative error mitigation methods, build benchmarking and characterization protocols for quantum processors, and develop the software stack that powers VTT's quantum computing infrastructure.

Your responsibilities as a Research Scientist:

• Develop and evaluate quantum algorithms, and hybrid quantum-classical frameworks.
• Design and execute benchmarking studies on VTT quantum computers and simulators.
• Contribute to the development of software tools, libraries, and workflows for quantum algorithm research.
• Investigate emerging application areas and assess the practical utility of quantum computing for scientific and industrial challenges.
• Collaborate with researchers, software engineers, and industrial partners in national and international projects.
• Contribute to project activities as a work package leader, task leader, coordinator, or project member.

Who we are looking for:

• You have a M.Sc. or a Ph.D. in physics, mathematics, computer science, or a closely related field.
• You have experience in quantum computing, quantum algorithms, quantum information science, or a related research area.
• You have knowledge of near-term quantum computing platforms, quantum circuit design, and quantum-classical workflows.
• You have strong programming skills and the ability to develop reproducible simulation and analysis workflows.
• You have experience with quantum software frameworks such as Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane, or equivalent platforms.
• You have excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

As a person, we hope that you are:

• You have strong communication and collaboration skills. You are able to efficiently interact with your colleagues and with people from different fields.
• An enthusiastic outside-the-box thinker. You enjoy challenges and learning new things and have a strong passion for science and research and development.
• An open-minded and innovative person with a vision of longer-term research needs.
• You are eager to work with new topics and methods, even out of your comfort zone to achieve the set ambitious goals.

For further information, please contact Research Team Leader Francesco Cosco (Francesco.cosco@vtt.fi). We look forward to hearing from you!

Employment type: full time

Location: Tietotie 3 VTT