Travel scientist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Quantum Error Correction Scientist to advance the state of the art in fault-tolerant quantum computing and quantum information science within our Research & Development (R&D) organization. In this role, you will join a multidisciplinary team of physicists, engineers, mathematicians, and computer scientists working at the intersection of theory, modeling, and experimentation to enable robust quantum technologies for national security, space exploration, and other critical mission domains. You will design, analyze, and evaluate quantum error correction (QEC) codes, fault-tolerant protocols, and noise mitigation strategies for emerging quantum hardware platforms, with the goal of turning fragile physical qubits into reliable logical information carriers.

You will formulate and investigate new approaches to quantum fault tolerance, including the development of stabilizer and topological codes, logical qubit architectures, and error decoding algorithms tailored to realistic noise models and hardware constraints. Collaborating closely with experimental teams and external partners, you will translate theoretical insights into implementable schemes, help design and interpret experiments on quantum testbeds, and assess performance trade-offs between different QEC strategies. You will build and use high-fidelity simulation tools to model decoherence, cross-talk, control errors, and other noise sources, and to quantify logical error rates, thresholds, and resource overheads for candidate architectures.

Your work will include creating scalable numerical models in Python and modern quantum software frameworks such as Qiskit, Cirq, or related toolchains, integrating these with existing APL simulation environments to support system-level studies. You will apply advanced methods from quantum information theory, statistics, and optimization to evaluate robustness, guide experimental design, and inform long-term architecture decisions for quantum processors and networks. You will document your findings in technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and sponsor briefings, and present results to both technical specialists and non-specialist stakeholders shaping future investments in quantum technology.

Aligned with JHU APL’s culture of innovation, collaboration, and lifelong learning, you will mentor junior staff and interns, engage in internal research initiatives, and help shape new proposals for government and commercial sponsors. You will have the opportunity to lead or co-lead R&D tasks, define technical milestones, and coordinate with cross-laboratory teams working on quantum algorithms, quantum sensing, and secure communications. You will actively contribute to a diverse, inclusive environment that values creative problem solving, rigorous scientific inquiry, and healthy work-life balance.

This position is best suited for a scientist with deep training in quantum information or a closely related discipline, comfortable working from first-principles theory through computational modeling and, where appropriate, engagement with experimental data. A Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with a focus on quantum information or quantum computing is typically required, along with a record of impactful research in quantum error correction, fault tolerance, or equivalent quantum information science areas.

Experience collaborating on sponsored research programs, especially those related to national security or space missions, is highly desirable, as is eligibility for a U.S. security clearance. Joining APL offers the opportunity to contribute directly to nationally significant projects while growing your career in a world-class research environment with competitive compensation, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and flexible, hybrid work arrangements.