Quantum Algorithms Intern

Phasecraft is the quantum algorithms company. We are building the mathematical foundations for quantum computing applications that solve real-world problems. Founded in 2019 by Toby Cubitt, Ashley Montanaro and John Morton, we are based in London and Bristol in the UK and opened an office in Washington DC in 2024, led by Steve Flammia. In 2025 we completed a $34m Series B funding round co-led by Plural, existing investor Playground Global, and Novo Holdings' Quantum Fund in its first direct quantum software investment.

Phasecraft's unprecedented access to today's best quantum computers - through partnerships with Google, IBM, Quantinuum and QuEra - provides us with unique opportunities to develop foundational IP, inform the development of next-generation quantum hardware, and accelerate commercialization of high-value breakthroughs.

We are delighted to launch our 2026 Quantum Algorithms Internship programme. As a Quantum Algorithms Intern you will have the opportunity to join the Phasecraft team for a few (typically 3) months. Not only will you work on a technical research project focusing on the design, implementation or analysis of quantum algorithms and related techniques in near-term quantum computing, but you will also have the chance to experience life in a young and vibrant startup that is constantly pushing the boundaries of our knowledge of quantum computing. Past projects have ranged from theoretical work on the underpinning mathematics of quantum algorithms to writing code for real or simulated quantum hardware.

Our recent internship programmes have proven to be meaningful and successful. In 2022 we hired our first permanent staff member who had previously participated in our Internship programme and we have several ongoing collaborations with former interns. Some of the work undertaken during internships has also been published (Optimizing fermionic encodings for both Hamiltonian and hardware and Extracting the spin excitation spectrum of a fermionic system using a quantum processor). Our team has enjoyed working on challenging projects with talented interns with diverse academic backgrounds including Quantum Information Theory, Materials Science, Physics and Computer Science.

The internship is a paid position with a competitive salary. Interns are based with the Phasecraft team in our offices in Bristol and London in the UK and Washington DC in the US. Internships usually take place over the summer months, though dates can be flexible.

As a Quantum Algorithms Intern, we expect you to have a demonstrable and keen interest in quantum computing and quantum information. Most previous interns have been undertaking a PhD on the theory of quantum computing or in a relevant area such as Materials Science or Computer Science, but we will also consider former PhD students who are not currently enrolled in an academic programme.

Job Description:

• Undertake a supervised project on theoretical and/or applied research on near-term quantum computing algorithms, applications and/or enabling theoretical technologies
  
  

Requirements

Essential criteria:

• Currently pursuing a PhD (or recently completed) in quantum information, quantum computation theory, theoretical computer science, theoretical physics, or closely related field
• A developing publication track-record in relevant discipline
• Flexibility to work across different aspects of quantum software and underpinning theory
  
  

Desirable criteria:

• Either experience of implementing algorithms on quantum hardware and/or in classical emulation; or strong theoretical/mathematical research track-record with an interest in applying this to quantum computing; or software development skills and experience
• Enthusiasm for learning and novel research
• Excellent communication skills
  
  

To apply, please click on "Apply for this job" below and include your CV, details of two referees, a covering letter and academic transcript. The closing date is 8th February 2026.

In the UK we welcome international applicants who are eligible for a UK Government Authorised Exchange visa.