23 Oct 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company: IQM
- Research Field: Physics » Quantum mechanics; Computer science » Computer architecture; Engineering » Electronic engineering
- Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Positions: PhD Positions
- Application Deadline: 23 Dec 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin)
- Country: Germany
- Type of Contract: Temporary
- Job Status: Full-time
- Offer Starting Date: 15 Jan 2027
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
At IQM, we build world-leading quantum computers for the well-being of humankind. We design systems to tackle computational challenges beyond the practical limits of classical machines. Our work sits at the edge of science and engineering. It's complex, demanding, and deeply collaborative. We turn deep research into reliable, full-stack systems that drive discoveries in fields like medicine, energy, and technology, reshaping how the world computes.
This position is part of QuBriC, the first European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network dedicated entirely to QEC. You will join an international cohort of doctoral researchers and collaborate with leading academic and industrial partners, including research visits at Chalmers (Gothenburg) and INRIA (Paris).
Join the team that gives quantum a heartbeat.
The work
The PhD project focuses on successfully implementing and testing quantum error correction (QEC) protocols on hardware-efficient quantum processors (QPUs). You will have access to IQM's co-designed architecture QPU to benchmark QEC code efficiency on those QPUs.
Joining our QEC Operations team, you will combine Python development, experiments on superconducting quantum processors, and data analysis to improve and demonstrate QEC performance. You will develop calibration procedures and fundamental operations such as qubit reset and leakage reduction units. Working with quantum and software engineering teams, you will also contribute to the control software that makes these experiments possible.
Your IQM Team Leader will guide your engineering work, while your PhD supervisor will guide your academic research. Alongside your contributions to IQM’s QEC roadmap, you will write scientific publications, present your findings, and complete the activities required by your host university.
What you’ll actually do
- Implement, run, and analyze experiments for fundamental QEC operations, including qubit reset and leakage reduction.
- Execute QEC capability benchmarks and demonstration experiments, and report findings clearly and accurately.
- Develop features in our quantum computer control software in collaboration with quantum and software engineering teams.
- Support QEC calibration of research and customer quantum processors under guidance, working with calibration and service teams to establish useful workflows.
- Keep up with relevant scientific developments and bring new knowledge into the team’s experimental work.
- Write publications, prepare conference presentations and contribute to university activities, grant reporting and research outreach as part of your PhD.
What we’re looking for
- A master’s degree, or equivalent skills, in a field relevant to quantum computing research and development, with excellent academic grades.
- A solid understanding of quantum information processing and quantum computing, including the basic concepts of quantum error correction.
- An understanding of superconducting qubits and quantum processing units.
- Python software engineering skills, including language features, environments, testing, documentation, and version control.
- Experience conducting laboratory experiments in quantum science or technology through your studies, research projects or equivalent experience.
- An ability to solve problems with guidance and turn your work into documented code, methods and results that others can use.
- Clear written and spoken communication, a collaborative approach and a commitment to reporting technical results accurately.
No prior professional experience beyond your university education is required.
The applicant cannot be in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.
Additional information
Mobility rule: To fulfil the Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility rules, you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before your date of recruitment.
- The applicant cannot be in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.
- Duration: The position is funded for three years with expecting starting date in January.
- Gross monthly salary range: 5000 € - 5833 €.
- Work location: Munich, Germany.
Why IQM?
- Full-stack quantum computing: From quantum hardware to software layers and beyond, we build across the full-stack.
- High-performance playground: We aim high, and we know sustainable performance only works when life outside work does too—hybrid setups, flexible hours.
- Never the smartest: You won’t always be the smartest person in the room. Neither will we. Expect to learn constantly - from each other and beyond with IQM’s Learning Hub, LinkedIn Learning, and a team-based L&D budget.
- Approachable leadership: Flat hierarchy, direct access. Feel free to approach any leaders. They're friendlier than they look!
- The sweet spot: Big enough to matter. Small enough to move fast. Growing between a startup and a corporation. We’re in the phase where top performers get noticed.
- Bigger than IQM: Our people build know-how for the entire quantum ecosystem. We publish papers, run hackathons, and help shape a market that's still being defined.
The future of computing won’t build itself. You might be one of the few who do.
- Meet our people and learn more about IQM on our stories page.
- Explore our scientific publications.
We'll start interviews and move forward with hiring as soon as we meet strong candidates. Please submit your application soon.
600M€+ Total Funding | 400+ Team Members | 30+ Quantum Computers Built | 300+ Patents Filed | 10 Location Globally
IQM is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and gender balance. We evaluate all applicants on merit, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.
Where to apply
Website: https://iqm.teamtailor.com/jobs/8522248-junior-quantum-engineer-phd-candidate
Requirements
- Research Field: Physics » Quantum mechanics
- Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field: Engineering » Computer engineering
- Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
- Languages: ENGLISH
- Level: Excellent
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: IQM Quantum Computers
- Country: Germany
- City: Munich
- Postal Code: 80992
- Street: Georg-Brauchle-Ring 23–25
Contact
- City: Munich
- Website: https://www.qubric.eu/
- Street: Georg-Brauchle-Ring 23–25
- Postal Code: 80992
- E-Mail: [contact details available in the full listing]
