#248 [Quantum Computers] Quantum Scientist: Fundamentals

Company Overview

The company aims to bring quantum computing into practical, real-world use.

By realizing quantum computing, they seek to balance energy efficiency with high computational power, overcome the limits of information processing facing humanity, and contribute to the creation of a sustainable society.

They are a pioneering leader in the global quantum computing market, driven by proprietary optical quantum technology that enables room-temperature operation and excellent scalability. A diverse team of highly skilled professionals from various backgrounds and fields collaborates daily, transcending borders and disciplinary boundaries.

They welcome ambitious individuals who want to create world-changing “next-generation technology” firsthand and make a genuine impact on the global market.

The company is also well-capitalized, having raised a total of 7 billion yen in funding.

Background

Toward the practical application of optical quantum computers and the dramatic improvement of their computational performance, further enhancing the purity of “squeezed light”—their fundamental resource—is an urgent priority. To achieve breakthroughs in this highly challenging technical hurdle and unlock the ultimate limits of quantum performance, deep and broad academic expertise is essential. They are seeking a researcher who can autonomously lead R&D activities while maintaining a holistic view of the entire optical system, and who will co-create the foundation of their next-generation hardware.

Key Responsibilities

As a member of the Fundamental Unit, you will lead research focused on achieving high-purity free-space squeezed light and high-precision measurements, utilizing a PPLN waveguide as the light source. Squeezed light is the fundamental resource and key to realizing the optical quantum computers they are developing. This research will play a core role in dramatically improving the performance of our quantum computing systems.

In this position, you will be expected to go beyond simply executing experiments. They expect you to demonstrate highly original ideas, advanced experimental skills, and strong project management capabilities in quantum optics experiments.

Example of Specific Responsibilities:

• Define requirements for identifying and eliminating physical bottlenecks to improve the purity of squeezed light. Design, construct, and evaluate overall systems and experimental setups for proof-of-principle demonstrations.
• Analyze various noise sources (optical, electrical, and environmental) in homodyne measurement systems, and formulate/execute approaches for achieving ultra-low noise and high-precision measurements.
• Propose novel experimental methods based on the latest academic research and drive proof-of-concept experiments.
• Actively participate in technical discussions to steer the direction of the experimental team, and provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior members.

Requirements

・Degree: Master’s or Ph.D. in one of the following fields:
＞Optics: Lasers, nonlinear optics, squeezed light, gravitational-wave interferometers, etc.
＞Quantum: Quantum information physics, quantum optics, etc.

・Research Experience: 3+ years of practical research experience in an experimental field (including research during a Ph.D. program).
・Autonomous Execution: Ability to autonomously execute the entire cycle of quantum optics experiments—from design and construction to measurement, issue identification, and resolution.

・Technical Skills & Experience:
＞Practical experience handling and aligning optical elements in both free-space and fiber-optic systems.
＞Foundational knowledge and experimental experience related to nonlinear optics (e.g., PPLN).
＞Experience operating and evaluating data with measurement instruments (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, etc.).

・Language Skills: English proficiency at a level sufficient for smooth technical discussions with other researchers and experts, as well as reading academic papers.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience writing peer-reviewed scientific papers as a first author.
• Knowledge or research experience utilizing squeezed light or continuous-variable (CV) quantum computing.
• Practical or research experience in achieving low-noise and high-precision homodyne measurement systems.
• Experience in research project management or in mentoring/guiding junior researchers.
• Conversational proficiency in Japanese / Experience working at a quantum computing-related company.

Terms and Conditions

• Annual Salary: 13 million JPY or higher (determined based on experience and skills)

• Bonus: None

• Salary Increase: Once a year

• Probation Period: 3 months

• Location: Tokyo

• Social Insurance: Fully covered

• Working Hours: Flextime (Core time: 13:00–16:00)

• Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays

• Average Overtime: Discretionary labor system

• Smoking Cessation Measures: Non-smoking indoors

Selection Process

• Selection Flow: 3 interviews (including one in-person presentation interview)

• Required Documents: Resume, CV (work history), and list of publications

• Interview Language: Japanese or English