{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"281e5bb6f22ae061e79b77e1","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/281e5bb6f22ae061e79b77e1","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/281e5bb6f22ae061e79b77e1","title":"Senior Quantum Theorist, Atomic Physics Focus","description":"At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a talented team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.\n\nWe are seeking a Senior Quantum Theorist to play a leading role in developing the next generation of our neutral atom quantum computers. You will work closely with theorists and experimentalists to model system behavior, improve calibration methods, characterize machine performance, and identify opportunities to advance system capabilities.\n\nIn addition to contributing technically, you will help set technical direction and mentor junior team members. You will join a team of experts in atomic physics and quantum error correction whose work informs future system design and supports experimental development.\n\nThis role is based in our Berkeley, CA office and reports to the Quantum Theory Manager within Atom Computing’s Applications & Theory department.\n\nJob Responsibilities\nLead independent and collaborative theoretical and computational projects that drive the understanding and development of neutral atom quantum computers.\nDrive the development and architecture of atomic physics simulations, translating them into high-quality, maintainable software solutions.\nIdentify and propose new research directions, tools, or methods — including AI-assisted approaches — that accelerate the team's theoretical and computational work.\nCollaborate with and provide technical guidance to Quantum Engineering, QEC Theory, and AMO Theory teams to model experimental results, develop noise models for quantum hardware, and inform design of neutral-atom quantum computers.\nMentor junior AMO Theorists and help set best practices for theoretical and computational work across the team.\nWrite clean, well-tested, and documented code in multiple languages (preferably Python, Julia, or C++).\nExperience & Education\nPhD in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.\n5+ years of post-PhD experience in research or the quantum industry.\nExtensive experience with scientific, high-performance, or quantum computing.\nQualifications\nDeep understanding of atomic, molecular and optical physics. Experience working with or modeling of Rydberg atoms is particularly appreciated.\nDemonstrated track record of independent research leadership, with a strong publication record within their field of research.\nExcellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.\nFamiliarity with modern software development practices: version control, unit testing, continuous integration, and documentation as well as public examples of past work that demonstrate coding quality and project delivery (e.g. via GitHub or equivalent).\nExperience with, or strong interest in, applying AI tools (e.g. LLMs, ML-based modeling or optimization methods) to accelerate research and engineering workflows.\nTemperamentally suited to work at a fast-growing startup: self-motivated, humble, driven, and collaborative, with a high tolerance for ambiguity.\n\nAtom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance. We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!\n\nThe base salary range for this position is between $185,000 - $210,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.\n\nWe may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.","company":"Atom Computing","rawCompany":"atom computing","city":"Berkeley","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":true,"createdAt":"2026-10-01T22:55:02.626Z","occupations":[{"code":"19-2012.00","title":"Physicists","slug":"physicists"},{"code":"19-2099.00","title":"Physical Scientists, All Other","slug":"physical-scientists-all-other"},{"code":"15-1221.00","title":"Computer and Information Research Scientists","slug":"computer-and-information-research-scientists"}],"industries":[{"code":"541715","title":"Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)","slug":"research-and-development-in-the-physical-engineering-and-life-sciences-except-nanotechnology-and-biotechnology"},{"code":"541713","title":"Research and Development in Nanotechnology","slug":"research-and-development-in-nanotechnology"},{"code":"513210","title":"Software Publishers","slug":"software-publishers"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Senior Quantum Theorist, Atomic Physics Focus","description":"At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a talented team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.\n\nWe are seeking a Senior Quantum Theorist to play a leading role in developing the next generation of our neutral atom quantum computers. You will work closely with theorists and experimentalists to model system behavior, improve calibration methods, characterize machine performance, and identify opportunities to advance system capabilities.\n\nIn addition to contributing technically, you will help set technical direction and mentor junior team members. You will join a team of experts in atomic physics and quantum error correction whose work informs future system design and supports experimental development.\n\nThis role is based in our Berkeley, CA office and reports to the Quantum Theory Manager within Atom Computing’s Applications & Theory department.\n\nJob Responsibilities\nLead independent and collaborative theoretical and computational projects that drive the understanding and development of neutral atom quantum computers.\nDrive the development and architecture of atomic physics simulations, translating them into high-quality, maintainable software solutions.\nIdentify and propose new research directions, tools, or methods — including AI-assisted approaches — that accelerate the team's theoretical and computational work.\nCollaborate with and provide technical guidance to Quantum Engineering, QEC Theory, and AMO Theory teams to model experimental results, develop noise models for quantum hardware, and inform design of neutral-atom quantum computers.\nMentor junior AMO Theorists and help set best practices for theoretical and computational work across the team.\nWrite clean, well-tested, and documented code in multiple languages (preferably Python, Julia, or C++).\nExperience & Education\nPhD in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.\n5+ years of post-PhD experience in research or the quantum industry.\nExtensive experience with scientific, high-performance, or quantum computing.\nQualifications\nDeep understanding of atomic, molecular and optical physics. Experience working with or modeling of Rydberg atoms is particularly appreciated.\nDemonstrated track record of independent research leadership, with a strong publication record within their field of research.\nExcellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.\nFamiliarity with modern software development practices: version control, unit testing, continuous integration, and documentation as well as public examples of past work that demonstrate coding quality and project delivery (e.g. via GitHub or equivalent).\nExperience with, or strong interest in, applying AI tools (e.g. LLMs, ML-based modeling or optimization methods) to accelerate research and engineering workflows.\nTemperamentally suited to work at a fast-growing startup: self-motivated, humble, driven, and collaborative, with a high tolerance for ambiguity.\n\nAtom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance. We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!\n\nThe base salary range for this position is between $185,000 - $210,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.\n\nWe may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.","datePosted":"2026-10-01T22:55:02.626Z","dateModified":"2026-10-01T22:55:02.626Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Atom Computing","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Berkeley","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"281e5bb6f22ae061e79b77e1"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/281e5bb6f22ae061e79b77e1"}}