Quantum Algorithm Scientist (US only)

About the role

We are seeking a Quantum Algorithm Scientist to design, analyze, and benchmark quantum algorithms that deliver real-world advantage. The role sits at the intersection of theory and practice-translating problems from domains such as cryptography, chemistry, finance, materials discovery, and defense into concrete quantum circuits, and rigorously evaluating their resource requirements on both near-term and fault-tolerant hardware.

This position offers a high level of individual ownership and is well-suited to scientists who are comfortable working independently within a small, focused team. You will partner with quantum software engineers and domain experts to push the state of the art, with opportunities to publish, contribute to open-source quantum frameworks, and shape deliverables for government and commercial programs. This position is classified as exempt under applicable wage and hour laws.

What you'll do

• Design, analyze, and optimize quantum algorithms for applications in cryptography, chemistry, finance, materials science, and defense
• Perform end-to-end resource estimation for quantum workloads on both near-term (NISQ) and fault-tolerant hardware architectures
• Develop and benchmark novel circuit compilation, error mitigation, and algorithmic primitives
• Translate customer and domain-specific problems into well-posed quantum computational tasks
• Contribute to technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and government program deliverables
• Work directly with customers to scope, develop, and deliver proof-of-concept engagements that demonstrate quantum value for their use cases
• Partner with internal software engineers to improve the quality, correctness, and performance of product deliverables
• Independently analyze complex scientific problems and communicate results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field
• Deep understanding of quantum computing fundamentals, including the circuit model, quantum error correction, and complexity theory
• Broad familiarity with many types of quantum algorithms and primitives (e.g., QPE, VQE, QAOA, Hamiltonian simulation, amplitude amplification, block encoding)
• Strong mathematical foundations in linear algebra, probability, and numerical methods
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications, preprints, or equivalent technical output
• Proficiency in some area of quantum-related programming (e.g., circuit simulation, compilation, resource estimation, or scientific computing)
• Ability to work independently, scope open-ended problems, and manage deliverables with minimal oversight
• Familiarity with modern AI tools and a drive to use them to make research and development systems more efficient

Preferred Experience

• Demonstrated experience shipping software that leverages LLMs, AI agents, or other machine learning components
• Experience building developer tools, scientific workflows, or research automation that leverages AI to speed up expert work
• Strong communication skills and comfort collaborating across research and engineering teams

About Zapata Quantum

Zapata Quantum is shaping the future of quantum computing: setting the standards for what's viable, valuable, and worth building. The Company powers quantum applications across cryptography, pharmaceuticals, finance, materials discovery, defense, and beyond, translating cutting-edge research into real-world impact.

Zapata is the only organization to have contributed across every technical area of DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking program, giving it a uniquely comprehensive view of what it takes to make quantum computing work in practice. Now restructured and sharply focused, Zapata Quantum stands alone as the only publicly traded, pure-play quantum software company fully dedicated to unlocking quantum's commercial potential.

We're rebuilding at a pivotal moment for the industry-bringing together a team that will help define how quantum delivers value in the real world, with the opportunity for meaningful ownership as we shape the commercial path forward.