Location: Zurich, Switzerland. Employment Type: Full-Time. Department: Quantum Architecture. Position Overview: We are seeking a Quantum Error Correction (QEC) Theorist with deep expertise in fault-tolerant quantum computing and a strong understanding of trapped-ion systems or other atomic systems. The successful candidate will design, analyze, and optimize error correction protocols tailored to trapped-ion architectures, bridging theory and hardware implementation. You will collaborate closely with experimental physicists, control engineers, and quantum software teams to enable practical fault tolerance on near-term and scalable ion-trap platforms. You will also be expected to work with external partners and lead collaborations with academic and industrial teams. Key Responsibilities: Design and analyze quantum error correction codes suited for trapped-ion systems (e.g., surface codes, color codes, LDPC codes, bosonic codes); Develop architecture-aware fault-tolerant schemes considering realistic noise models (dephasing, motional mode heating, crosstalk, gate infidelity, leakage); Optimize syndrome extraction protocols using native trapped-ion gates; Model logical error rates under hardware-constrained connectivity in a 2D ion shuttling architecture; Collaborate with experimental teams to validate QEC protocols on real hardware; Contribute to threshold analysis, decoding strategy development, and resource estimation for large-scale algorithms; Publish findings in leading journals and present at major conferences. Required Qualifications: Masters or PhD in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field; Demonstrated expertise in quantum error correction and fault-tolerant quantum computing; Strong analytical and numerical modelling skills; Experience working with realistic noise models and hardware constraints; Proficiency in Python and scientific computing tools (NumPy, SciPy, JAX, QuTip, STIM, or similar). Preferred Qualifications: Experience with trapped-ion quantum computing architectures; Knowledge of decoder implementations (MWPM, belief propagation, neural decoders); Familiarity with quantum software frameworks (e.g., Qiskit, Cirq, or hardware-specific SDKs); Experience with architectural proposals of at least one of the major competing QC platforms, with preference for dynamically reconfigurable approaches; Experience modelling Open Quantum Systems; Track record of publications in top-tier journals. What We Offer: Opportunity to define the fault-tolerance roadmap for a trapped-ion quantum platform; Close collaboration between theory and experiment in a rapidly scaling quantum hardware program; Access to cutting-edge ion-trap hardware that breaks away from the mainstream; Competitive compensation and equity. Stock option plan that allows you to become a true shareholder in the company; Flexible work environment (home office); Be part of a dynamic team that operates on four core principles: Excellence, Reliability, Trust & Open Feedback; Zurich constantly ranks at or near the top of most liveable cities in the world. Whether you like the arts, sports or nature, Zurich has it all on offer; 30 days of holiday. Impact: Your work will directly shape the path toward scalable, fault-tolerant trapped-ion quantum computing—transforming today’s high-fidelity devices into tomorrow’s logical quantum processors. To Apply: Please submit your CV and a cover letter. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.