PhD - Quantum Error Correction Codes for Cat Qubits M/F

PhD project 'Code construction & logic for biased-noise qubits' within QuBriC, the first European MSCA Doctoral Network entirely dedicated to quantum error correction. Hosted in Alice & Bob's Error Correction team, supervised by Dr Christophe Vuillot, with doctoral degree awarded by Sorbonne Université and co-supervision by Mike Vasmer (Inria Paris). Includes three secondments: Inria (France), TU Delft (Netherlands), and University of Navarra (Spain). Duration: 36 months, full-time. Expected start date: 01/01/2027.

Responsibilities

Develop and benchmark high-rate, biased-noise-adapted QEC codes and corresponding logical-gate protocols using lifted-product and asymmetric-distance constructions; Co-design logical operations (homomorphic CNOT, transversal Clifford, algorithmic subroutines), incorporating noise bias, connectivity, and measurement constraints; Validate designs via hardware-in-the-loop simulations and small-scale cat-qubit experiments, quantifying space-time efficiency and logical error suppression; Benchmark biased-noise performance and decoder compatibility, providing feedback to the network's architecture and decoder work packages; Contribute to an open online library of high-rate codes and logical protocols for biased-noise qubits, including analysis of resource overhead, and to open datasets/tools for reproducible biased-noise co-design; Publish results in leading journals and present them at international conferences; Follow the QuBriC doctoral training programme, Sorbonne Université doctoral training courses, and Alice & Bob's internal courses on biased noise, QEC, and cat qubit hardware; Carry out the secondments and contribute to the network's outreach and open-science activities

Requirements

MSc degree in Quantum Engineering or Physics completed by the recruitment date; Demonstrated background in quantum information or quantum computing (coursework, thesis, or research projects visible on your CV); Proficiency in scientific programming with Python; Proficiency in English (written and oral); MSCA eligibility - doctoral candidate: must NOT already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment; MSCA eligibility - mobility rule: must not have resided or carried out main activity in France for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before recruitment date (short stays such as holidays and compulsory national service are not counted); Full-time availability for the 36-month appointment, including the secondments

Nice to have

Familiarity with quantum error correction (stabilizer formalism, fault-tolerant logic); Familiarity with the physics of cat qubits; Experience with QEC simulation or resource-estimation tooling, and taste for open, reproducible science; Prior research experience in a quantum computing company or lab (internship, research assistantship)

Benefits

Direct IP Compensation: bonuses for driving the core patents that define the quantum architecture; Flexible remote policy, up to 40% a month; Parental plan including crèche support and additional days off to take care of children under 12; Subsidized membership with Urban Sports Club; Mental health support with moka.care; 25-day vacation policy (as per French law) + RTT; Half of transportation cost coverage (as per French law), or yearly allowance for bicycle users; Competitive health coverage with Alan; Meal vouchers with Swile, and access to a fully equipped and regularly stocked kitchen; French language courses covered by the company for those interested; Full French social security coverage