Product Manager - Researcher Engagement (Hybrid)

About Xanadu

Xanadu’s mission is to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere.

At Xanadu, we are learners, innovators, researchers, collaborators and problem solvers. We are creating something that has never been built before. What we are doing is extremely hard, the classic moon shot. Few people in their lives will be able to be a part of something like this, where if we are successful, the technologies we develop will solve some of the world’s most challenging problems, and literally change the world. And that is something to be excited about!

Your Role and Responsibilities:

Xanadu is an industry leader in the burgeoning area of quantum software. As Product Manager, you will drive the adoption of PennyLane, our flagship Python-based quantum software library, among quantum computing researchers. This unique role requires a blend of product, technical, and research expertise. You will contribute to our cloud-based platforms, including web applications, and will be responsible for various aspects of the product development cycle.

At Xanadu, you will:

• Develop a deep understanding of the needs and motivations of quantum computing researchers to inform product strategy and roadmap, driving adoption and conversion to PennyLane.
• Collaborate with internal and external technical research teams to identify underlying issues and challenges, and effectively communicate this to internal and external stakeholders.
• Translate researcher problems into solutions with achievable near-term milestones via clear, comprehensive, and detailed product requirements.
• Work with cross-functional teams (including developers, researchers, designers, and content creators) to bring value and build effective solutions for quantum computing researchers.
• Leverage product marketing to position and communicate compelling product benefits to researchers.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess success and guide strategic decisions.
• Successfully align our project outcomes with research goals, user needs, and company objectives.

Basic Qualifications and Experience:

• Firsthand experience with all stages of the research process, from initial conception to publication.
• Experience developing technical, scientific, or software products (deep tech field preferred).
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects and work cross-functionally across the organization, while navigating ambiguity.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze data and extract actionable insights.
• Collaborated with technical experts and developers to define product requirements, develop solutions, and achieve stakeholder buy-in.
• Ability to engage confidently with technical partners to discuss and summarize technical topics, without necessarily being an expert in those areas.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

• Product management experience in a technical, scientific, or software product (deep tech field preferred).
• PhD or Master's degree with familiarity with scientific research processes and tools.

• Proven track record of defining and executing a long-term vision for a product, service, or software library.
• Track record in working closely with software developers and technical writers to develop and refine product requirements, create solutions, and get buy-in from stakeholders.
• Experience with open-source software projects using Python.
• Familiarity with the quantum software ecosystem (PennyLane, Qiskit, Braket, Cirq).
• Demonstrated experience with quantum computing.
• Experience using version control tools and services (Git, GitHub).