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.