Quantum Applications Scientist / Senior Quantum Applications Scientist

The RoleWe are looking for a Quantum Applications Scientist to join our team developing new computational methods for solving some of the most challenging problems in science and engineering.You will work at the intersection of quantum computing, numerical simulation and scientific computing, developing and evaluating quantum, quantum-inspired and quantum-ready algorithms for solving partial differential equations (PDEs). Your work will focus on practical applications in areas such as fluid dynamics, engineering simulation, energy and materials modelling.Working alongside our quantum algorithms, software and hardware teams, you will investigate new computational approaches, benchmark their performance against established methods and explore how they can be implemented on emerging quantum computing architectures.We welcome candidates from a range of technical backgrounds. You might have experience in quantum algorithms, numerical mathematics, computational physics or an application area such as computational fluid dynamics. What matters most is a strong understanding of computational methods, an interest in exploring new approaches and the ability to tackle difficult technical problems.This is an opportunity to join an established quantum applications team, contribute to active research and development programmes and help shape how quantum computing is applied to real-world problems.Depending on experience, the position may be offered at Senior Quantum Applications Scientist level.What You'll Be DoingAlgorithm Development: Research, develop and benchmark quantum, quantum-inspired and quantum-ready algorithms for solving partial differential equations and related computational problemsScientific Computing: Implement and evaluate numerical methods using classical, quantum and hybrid computational approaches, with a focus on accuracy, performance and scalabilityApplication Development: Work with application specialists to identify challenging simulation problems in areas such as fluid dynamics, engineering and materials science, translating real-world requirements into computational models and benchmarksPerformance Evaluation: Compare new algorithms with established numerical techniques, assessing accuracy, stability, convergence, computational efficiency and potential advantages at scaleQuantum Hardware Integration: Work closely with our quantum software and hardware teams to understand architectural capabilities and constraints, and adapt algorithms for emerging quantum computing systemsSoftware Development: Contribute to the development of scientific software, numerical simulation tools and benchmarking frameworks, ensuring computational methods are reliable, reproducible and well documentedResearch & Collaboration: Collaborate with colleagues and external research and industry partners, contributing to technical studies, publications, patents and collaborative research programmesTechnical Development: Investigate new approaches, communicate findings clearly and contribute to the technical direction of Aegiq's quantum applications work. For senior appointments, this will include leading research activities and supporting the development of other team membersAbout AegiqAegiq is a Sheffield-based quantum technology company developing scalable, fault-tolerant photonic quantum computers. Founded in 2019, we work across the full quantum computing stack, from semiconductor chips and photonic hardware to software and real-world applications.In 2025, we delivered our first-generation quantum computer to the UK's National Quantum Computing Centre. We're now developing our second-generation platform and expanding our team to tackle the scientific and engineering challenges involved in building quantum computers at scale.We're a growing team of scientists, engineers and specialists who enjoy solving difficult problems and turning new ideas into working technology. At Aegiq, you'll have the opportunity to take ownership of your work, contribute directly to the technology we're developing and help shape the future of the company.We value different backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking. If you're excited about the work we're doing, we'd encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn't match every requirement listed.RequirementsWhat We're Looking ForTechnical Background: Research or industry experience in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science or a related field, with expertise in at least one of the following:Quantum algorithms or quantum scientific computingNumerical methods for partial differential equationsComputational fluid dynamics or plasma physicsComputational physics, engineering simulation or materials modellingAnalytical Skills: Strong mathematical and numerical problem-solving skills, with the ability to investigate complex computational problems and evaluate different approachesScientific Programming: Experience developing scientific software or numerical algorithms using Python, C, C++ or similar programming languagesResearch & Development: Ability to independently investigate open-ended technical problems, develop new approaches and critically assess resultsCommunication & Collaboration: Ability to communicate technical ideas clearly and work effectively with colleagues from different scientific, software and engineering backgroundsCuriosity & Adaptability: An interest in exploring new computational methods and understanding how emerging quantum computing technologies could be applied to real-world problemsNice to HaveExperience developing tensor-network algorithms, numerical methods or scientific computing libraries. Experience with tensor-network methods is particularly valuableKnowledge of quantum algorithms for differential equations, linear algebra, optimisation or scientific computingExperience with numerical PDE methods, including finite-element, finite-volume, spectral or mesh-free approachesExperience in computational fluid dynamics, plasma simulation, multiphysics modelling or other computationally intensive engineering applicationsExperience with high-performance computing, parallel numerical methods, GPU acceleration or computational performance optimisationFamiliarity with reduced-order modelling, surrogate methods, scientific machine learning or quantum-inspired computational approachesExperience verifying, validating and benchmarking numerical algorithms against established methodsFamiliarity with quantum software frameworks such as Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane or equivalent toolsExperience with scientific simulation tools or libraries such as OpenFOAM, FEniCS or equivalentExperience with collaborative software development, including Git, automated testing and continuous integrationExperience working with industrial or research partners to understand application requirements and evaluate computational solutionsExperience working in a startup, growing technology company or commercial research environmentFor Senior Scientist ApplicantsCandidates applying at Senior Scientist level should demonstrate an established track record in quantum algorithms, scientific computing, numerical simulation or a relevant application domain. You should be comfortable defining research directions, leading substantial technical activities, making independent scientific decisions and supporting the development of other team members.We know that no two people have the same experience. If you're interested in the role and meet most, but not all, of the criteria, we'd still encourage you to apply.BenefitsCompetitive salary, based on experience and skills25 days of annual leave, in addition to bank holidays and company closure daysA Sheffield-based workplace, with excellent transport links and a great balance of city life and affordabilityThe opportunity to join a growing company developing some of the most exciting technology in quantum computingMeaningful responsibility from the outset, with opportunities to develop your skills, take on new challenges and grow your career as Aegiq expandsA friendly, collaborative and supportive working environment where different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are valued, and everyone is encouraged to contribute