Postdoctoral Fellowship in Quantum Computing
Posting date: July 3 2026
Application deadline: July 31, 2026
PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION
I am hiring a postdoctoral researcher to work on a new project, “Computing on Quantum Codes with Low Overhead” funded by the National Research Council of Canada. This project is about high-rate quantum LDPC codes, with a specific question in mind: how do we compute on these codes? Not only is there a huge variety of new codes to consider, computational techniques for these codes are still new. We want to be able to fairly compare different codes, considering their overhead, architecture assumptions, and the cost of computing with them. I have a particular interest in how this impacts cryptography, but this project seeks more general answers.
You will work closely with myself, Dr. Ningping Cao at the National Research Council (a 5-minute walk from the Institute for Quantum Computing), and a PhD student who will start in fall 2026 to work on this project.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Summary research into the literature on high-rate LDPC codes: what codes exists, what architectures do they need, how can computing be done on them
- Developing software for efficient comparisons and resource estimation
- Exploratory research in novel computing methods, code constructions, impossibility results
- Writing papers about our research results
- Mentoring junior project members
- Discussion and collaboration with the broader quantum community within and outside of the Institute for Quantum Computing.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants for this position should hold (or be near completion of) a PhD degree on a topic in quantum computing or quantum information.
Applicants should be proficient in written and spoken English.
Applicants must be eager to learn any necessary areas of quantum computing for this project.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Expertise or experience with any of the following areas:
- Quantum computing-specific:
- Error-correcting codes
- Lattice surgery
- Surface codes
- Resource estimation
- Homology
- Circuit design/algorithms
- Mentorship
- Open-source software design
Strong communicator (written and oral)
Strong publication record, or other demonstrated excellence in research
ABOUT THE LOCATION
This position is based in the department of Combinatorics and Optimization and the Institute for Quantum Computing, both at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. You will also work closely with Canada’s National Research Council.
The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) is a world-class center for quantum computing research, hosting over 250 researchers, both theoreticians and experimentalists, who work on a wide swath of quantum computing research. IQC has research groups in quantum encryption, materials, trapped ions, photonics, superconductors, quantum information, quantum-safe cryptography, and more.
Employment Type: Full-time
Compensation and Benefits: $70,000 per year
Salary Benefits/Perks: Postdoctoral researchers at the University of Waterloo (UW) receive extended health benefits, including dental, life insurance, and sick leave, and are allotted one month of vacation during each year of employment.
Reports to: Samuel Jaques
Posted by: Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) and Department of Combinatorics and Optimization (C&O) at the University of Waterloo.
Number of Positions: 1
Position Start Date: Available immediately (start date is negotiable).
Position End Date: The initial contract will be for 18 months, with the possibility of extension contingent on performance and available funding.
Equity Statement: The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Indigenous Initiatives Office (https://uwaterloo.ca/human-rights-equity-inclusion/indigenousinitiatives).
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit/Inuk, Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Nicole Little – nlittle@uwaterloo.ca.
If you have any questions regarding the position, the application process, assessment process, or eligibility, please contact Sam Jaques - sejaques@uwaterloo.ca.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Three reasons to apply: https://uwaterloo.ca/faculty-association/why-waterloo.
The code of conduct for my research group is here: https://sam-jaques.appspot.com/static/files/code-of-conduct.pdf
How to Apply
Applications should be sent to sejaques@uwaterloo.ca, and should include:
- A CV
- A cover letter describing your interest in the position and summarizing relevant experience and qualifications
- Contact information for at least three references
Application Deadline: For full consideration, applications should be submitted by July 31, 2026. Applications received after this date may still be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.