Quantum Scientist — Finance

About Xanadu

Xanadu is dedicated to building quantum computers that are practical and accessible worldwide. We are a team of lifelong learners, innovators, researchers, collaborators, and problem solvers. Our goal is to create unprecedented technology that, if successful, will tackle some of the globe's toughest challenges and transform the world.

Role Overview

As a Quantum Scientist focusing on finance, you will collaborate with a team of experts to unlock the practical benefits of fault-tolerant quantum computing. Your work will center on quantum algorithms designed for financial challenges such as partial differential equations, quantum machine learning, and statistical estimation. You will investigate how these quantum methods can outperform classical approaches used by banks and asset managers.

Key Responsibilities

• Design novel quantum algorithms addressing PDEs relevant to derivative pricing and risk management, including solvers and managing input/output constraints.
• Develop quantum machine learning and statistical estimation techniques such as amplitude estimation, Monte Carlo methods, regression, generative modeling, and time-series analysis.
• Identify significant financial applications like pricing, risk metrics, portfolio construction, calibration, fraud detection, and benchmark these against classical standards like Monte Carlo and deep learning.
• Create essential algorithmic subroutines including block encodings, Quantum Singular Value Transformations, data loading strategies, and Hamiltonian simulation methods.
• Enhance algorithm efficiencies by minimizing qubit requirements, reducing non-Clifford gate complexity, and lowering resource demands overall.
• Conduct rigorous resource estimations to prove scalability and feasibility.
• Engage with financial industry collaborators translating their challenges into quantum algorithmic problems and providing transparent assessments of achievable results.
• Work closely with experts in compilation and quantum error correction to translate algorithms to fault-tolerant architectures.
• Partner with PennyLane software engineers to develop leading quantum algorithm research tools.
• Produce high-quality academic papers, detailed technical reports, and thorough documentation.
• Create valuable intellectual property and support patent filings.
• Present research findings to strategic partners and at major industry conferences and events.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Finance, or another quantitative field, or equivalent practical exposure.
• Proven research accomplishments in quantum computing, supported by publications, patents, or significant technical contributions.
• Deep understanding of quantum algorithm fundamentals, including Hamiltonian simulation, Trotter formulae, quantum signal processing, linear combination of unitaries, amplitude amplification, quantum phase estimation, and quantum read-only memories.
• Specialization in quantum algorithms for differential equations, linear systems, and quantum machine learning.
• Knowledge of numerical PDE approaches, stochastic processes, Monte Carlo techniques, statistical learning, and classical baseline methods.
• Capability to quantitatively analyze algorithm costs beyond scaling laws, focusing on constants and data-loading expenses.
• Ability to excel in interdisciplinary teams while driving independent research when needed.
• Excellent communication skills for conveying complex scientific ideas to both specialized and general audiences.
• Strong self-organization skills to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying quantum algorithms in finance or broader quantitative finance expertise.
• Track record performing detailed resource estimates for fault-tolerant quantum algorithms.
• Familiarity with derivative pricing, risk modeling, portfolio optimization, and financial system constraints.
• Applied experience with classical machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch or JAX, or advanced numerical PDE solvers.
• History of collaboration with industry or government partners on application benchmarking.
• Proficiency in software development and scientific programming using Python, including contributions to open-source scientific tools.
• Strong comprehension of quantum error correction and fault-tolerant system design.
• Expertise in quantum compiler techniques.

Compensation and Values

This newly created role offers base salaries based on location, experience, and company standards. Salary ranges from 100,000 to 140,000 CAD for intermediate levels and 150,000 to 180,000 CAD for senior roles. Equity and benefits are also included.

Xanadu prioritizes a culture founded on core values fostering innovation and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, fairness, and providing a supportive, barrier-free workplace. Accommodations during recruitment are available upon request.

Use of AI in Hiring

Please note AI tools may assist in the applicant screening process, but final decisions are made by human recruiters. Applicants may inquire about data processing procedures.