Principal Researcher - Quantum

Overview

Join Microsoft Quantum’s laboratory in Lyngby, Denmark, and help build advanced quantum computing platforms that connect scientific discovery with system engineering. You will work with physicists, engineers, computer scientists, and researchers across disciplines to advance quantum devices, control systems, architectures, software, and cloud-connected capabilities as an integrated system.

At Microsoft Quantum, we aim to empower science and scientists to solve the world’s biggest problems by realizing advanced computing platforms at the intersection of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum information technology. Microsoft Quantum will change the world of computing and help solve some of humankind’s currently unsolvable problems. For more information about our team, visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/quantum.

As a Principal Researcher, you will take technical ownership of a major subsystem or capability within a quantum hardware program and help move technology from scientific concepts through experimental validation and system realization. You will define system strategy, make architectural decisions grounded in scientific and engineering evidence, identify the experiments that reduce the most important uncertainties, and guide technical investments. Your primary impact will come from system-level thinking, technical judgment, and leadership, while maintaining the technical depth needed to work closely with theorists, engineers, software developers, external collaborators, and technology partners. You will mentor scientists and engineers and help establish technical excellence across the organization. We expect to make multiple hires, and we welcome candidates with depth and leadership in any quantum hardware architecture or adjacent advanced experimental-systems discipline.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees, we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities* Own the technical strategy, architecture, and design of a major subsystem or capability within a quantum hardware program, evaluating trade-offs, risks, and opportunities using scientific and engineering evidence.

• Design and drive critical experiments that reduce uncertainty, enable informed technical decisions, and uphold high standards for data quality, validation, calibration, and reproducibility.
• Translate scientific insight into practical system requirements, designs, performance targets, and execution plans.
• Partner across theory, engineering, and software teams to connect models, simulations, measurements, controls, and implementation into an integrated system.
• Work with external suppliers, technology partners, and research collaborators to advance program goals and mitigate technical risks.
• Mentor scientists and engineers, communicate complex technical topics to senior leaders and external stakeholders, and contribute to technical excellence across the organization.
• Embody our culture and values. Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or a related field, OR Master’s Degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related field, OR Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related field, OR equivalent experience.
• Experience in leading or building complex quantum architecture.
• Experience designing experiments and interpreting evidence for critical decisions.
• Experience in quantitative systems reasoning across physical mechanisms and architecture.

Other Requirements

• Ability to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) tools to drive innovation and efficiency, including performance modeling and analysis, research gathering, and day-to-day task automation.
• Ability to evaluate AI-assisted and agentic solutions using measurable outcomes and human-in-the-loop safeguards consistent with Microsoft Responsible AI requirements.
• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
• Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
• Citizenship & Citizenship Verification: This role will require access to information that is controlled for export under export control regulations, potentially under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the EU Dual Use Regulation, and/or other export control regulations. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide either proof of their country of citizenship or proof of their U.S. permanent residency or other protected status (e.g., under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) for assessment of eligibility to access the export-controlled information. To meet this legal requirement, and as a condition of employment, the successful candidate’s citizenship will be verified with a valid passport. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees may verify status using other documents, where applicable.

Additional or Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading the architecture, development, and validation of at least one complex experimental, quantum, semiconductor, photonic, or other advanced physical system.
• Demonstrated deep expertise in at least one of the following: quantum hardware systems or device technologies; precision measurement or instrumentation; control, calibration, or characterization systems; advanced electronics, photonics, cryogenics, vacuum systems, radio frequency systems, materials, or integrated-system technologies; or reliability and error characterization.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary technical work involving at least two of the following: theory, hardware engineering, software, modeling or simulation, and experimental validation.
• Experience delivering at least one technical program with an external supplier, technology partner, industrial research group, or academic research organization, with demonstrated scientific, technical, or organizational impact.

#Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers

Quantum Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across Denmark is kr 912,400.00 - kr 1,559,800.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.

Find additional benefits and pay information here:

https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/denmark-corporate-pay.html

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process**.**