Quantum Computing Scientist - Product Research (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 life 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. In this role, you will be working on the product team, contributing to our flagship Python-based quantum software library PennyLane. Drawing on your technical background, you will be responsible for building and maintaining the product vision for one or more specific focus areas within PennyLane (e.g., quantum chemistry, quantum machine learning, high-performance computing, compilation), with a goal to build quantum software that provides value to quantum computing researchers. 

At Xanadu, you will:

• Develop a deep understanding of the needs and motivations of quantum computing researchers to inform the software roadmap.
• Stay up to date, identifying opportunities and problems in a fast-moving research and software landscape.
• Collaborate with technical research teams to identify underlying issues and challenges, and effectively communicate this to internal stakeholders.
• Translate researcher problems into software solutions with achievable near-term milestones via clear, comprehensive, product requirements.
• Guide software user interfaces and documentation to ensure functionality is cohesive and intuitive.
• Work alongside developers, researchers, and content creators to bring value and build effective solutions.
• Position and communicate compelling software features and benefits to researchers.
• Continuously evaluate the impact and usage of software functionality, and use this to drive strategic decisions.

Basic qualifications and experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience working with technical, scientific, or software products (deep tech field preferred).
• Experience with the scientific Python ecosystem.
• Experience with scientific research processes and tools.
• Experience with quantum computing and the quantum software ecosystem (PennyLane, Qiskit, Braket, Cirq).
• 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 to define requirements and develop software solutions.
• 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

• Master's or PhD Degree in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience developing technical, scientific, or software products (deep tech field preferred).
• 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.
• Ability to understand complex mathematical concepts at a high-level.
• Subject matter expertise in any of the following:
  • Quantum chemistry
  • Machine learning
  • Automatic differentiation
  • High-performance computing
  • Compilation
• Experience with open-source software projects.
• Experience with Python.
• Experience with version control tools and services (Git, GitHub).