Quantum Applications Scientist
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Lincoln Lab)
Lexington, MA · Posted September 20, 2026
Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks
See every open role at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Lincoln Lab)
More in Massachusetts job market · Aerospace & Defense · Research jobs
More roles at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Lincoln Lab)
- Electrical Engineer · Lexington, MA
- Associate Staff - Radar Engineer (Space Surveillance Systems) · Lexington, MA
- Nanofabrication Process Engineer · Lexington, MA
- RF Communications System Engineer/Analyst-Associate Staff · Lexington, MA
- Radar Signals, Systems and Processing Analyst-Technical Staff · Lexington, MA
- Wireless Communications Engineer & Analyst-Technical Staff · Lexington, MA
Where Lexington, MA ranks
Where Lexington, MA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #2Best cities for entry-level jobs that want AI skills in the Northeast19% · of 48
- #2Best cities for entry-level jobs that want AI skills in New England19% · of 20
- #3Best all-round cities for mid-career professionals in New England65 / 100 · of 11
- #4Best cities for pay after cost of living in New England$162k · of 11
- #4Best cities for pay after cost of living in Massachusetts$162k · of 9
- #4Best cities for software and engineering jobs in New England114 openings · of 24
Skills this job asks for
Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.
About the job
The mission of the Quantum-Enabled Computation Group is to explore, prototype, and demonstrate transformative computational advantage by leveraging quantized and entangled signals. Our work falls into three key thrusts: quantum computing with superconducting qubits, classical computing with single flux quanta in superconducting circuits, and quantum information science and algorithms. We also enable the broader US research enterprise via superconducting device foundries and open-source software development, and support the US Government as strategic Test and Evaluation partners and subject matter experts. Our interdisciplinary Group includes scientific experts in computer science, quantum information, device theory, materials science, fabrication and integration engineering, electrical and microwave engineering, and quantum physics.
Job Description
Our group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory seeks a full-time technical staff member to perform research on promising applications for quantum computation. This researcher would work within a group that is defining new applications for quantum computing, designing quantum algorithms for these applications, developing logical circuit implementations of the algorithms, and performing resource analysis of the circuits.
Candidates should have experience in one or more of the following areas:
Broad theoretical expertise in one or more scientific domains (e.g., condensed matter physics, chemistry, materials science) and experience with practical applications.
The use of computation to tackle difficult scientific and engineering tasks; familiarity with both canonical and best-in-class methods.
The development of new theoretical methods, algorithms or workflows for scientific computation; expertise in mapping mathematical problem descriptions to computations.
A clear understanding of the scope and limitations of classical computational tools.
Experience working with subject matter experts to answer realistic questions with well-defined experimental utility.
Experience developing or applying quantum algorithms for scientific computation.
Requirements
PhD (or a MS and 5+ years experience or BS and 10 + years experience) in Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field. Must have a strong background in theory and computation while appreciating how these can be reconciled with practical applications or experiments. Experience with quantum algorithms and quantum circuits is desirable, as is experience with quantum development platforms and resource estimation tools. The ability to develop software in programming languages such as Python, Julia, Matlab, Fortran, C++, and/or Mathematica is required.
Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200-$170,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200-$220,000
Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including—but not limited to—the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.
At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
MIT-funded pension
Matching 401K
Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
Mentorship programs
A range of work-life balance options
... and much more!
Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks .
Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.
MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.
Requisition ID: 42851