PhD Internship 2026 - Quantum Science, UK

Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Fixed-term | £35,000 per annum (pro rata) 

About us 

Riverlane’s mission is to master quantum error correction (QEC) and unlock a new age of human progress. From advances in material and climate science, to complex chemistry simulation for new drug design, quantum computers will help humanity solve some of its most important challenges. But without QEC, the industry’s defining technical challenge, such breakthroughs can never be achieved.  Riverlane is the world leader in QEC technology. QEC is a complex problem that requires a range of skills, talent and passion.     

We recently raised $75 million to accelerate our cutting-edge R&D.  We partner with many of the world’s leading quantum computing companies and governments to accelerate their path to utility-scale quantum computers. We’re making remarkable progress and growing fast. Join us! 

 
About the internship 

Our full-time internships are designed to enable current PhD students in a quantitative field to step out of their PhD research for a short time period and translate their skills and expertise into an industrial setting. We welcome and encourage applications from people who do not have a background in quantum computing, including computer scientists, software engineers and developers. There are three areas a PhD intern can work in - you can view more details here. 

As a Riverlane PhD intern, you will join us at our Head Office in Cambridge, UK, where you will have the opportunity to work alongside our talented teams of software developers, engineers, mathematicians, quantum information theorists, computational chemists and computational physicists – all experts in their fields. Every intern will have a dedicated supervisor and will work on a pre-defined project designed to make the best use of their background and skills, whilst developing their knowledge of quantum computing. We will support all interns to try and produce a concrete output by the end of the internship e.g. a paper, product, or software tool. 

 
What you will do 

• Develop an understanding of quantum algorithms and industrial applications, control systems for quantum computers, and/or the error correction schemes required for large scale quantum computing. 

• Research, devise and develop algorithms and software to enhance Riverlane’s capabilities in the above areas. 

• Contribute to one or more projects that are core to Riverlane’s scientific goals 

• Discuss ideas with colleagues and communicate research in the form of presentations and reports 

What we need 

• Currently pursuing a PhD degree in a highly numerate subject, such as a Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering or another related technical field 

• Evidence of creative, high-quality academic work 

• Experience with at least one general purpose programming language 

• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving ability 

• Relevant skillset for the specific internship project that you have applied for 

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with a track record of communicating scientific results to colleagues and other audiences 

• Ability to take initiative and to work well as part of a team 

• Passion for translating academic expertise into an applied industrial setting 

 
Important notes 

• We can only accept applications from (i) current university students who are UK/Irish nationals or have UK/Irish settled/ pre-settled status.  

• Regrettably we are unable to do provide sponsorship or letters of support for sponsorship applications for our internship scheme.  

• PhD internships are full-time and between 3 and 6 months in length. Start dates can be flexible in 2026 – please let us know your preferred dates when you apply.  

• Internships are based at our head office in Cambridge, UK.  

• Please note that we require a signed agreement from you assigning the ownership of any IP produced during your internship to Riverlane.  

 
How to apply 

Please upload a covering letter and CV here. Your cover letter should explain: 

1. Your preferred area: Quantum Error Correction Research; Building the Quantum Error Correction Stack; or Quantum Algorithms & Applications Research (more details here)  

2. What skills and experience you can bring to the role.  

Deadline 

Please submit your application by Sunday 16th November 2025. Interviews will be held in Cambridge or via video (Teams) in late November/early December 2025. 

Stipend 

PhD interns receive a competitive stipend of £35,000 per annum (pro rata). We will also pay for any expenses incurred as part of your role e.g. travel to meetings or conferences etc. We are unable to pay for travel to Cambridge or accommodation in Cambridge. 

What can you expect from us 

Alongside a competitive salary, you can expect a diverse work environment that brings together experts in many fields (including software and hardware development, quantum information theory, physics and maths) and over 20 different nationalities. We also offer free snacks and refreshments and regular social and cultural events. 

If you have any queries, please contact [email protected].  

Everyone is welcome at Riverlane. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from eligible and suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender reassignment, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity/paternity.  

Women and other underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a role unless they meet all or nearly all of the requirements.  If this applies to you, we still encourage you to apply - you may be a great fit, even if you don’t meet every single qualification. We’d love to hear from you.     

If you need any adjustments made to the application or selection process so you can do your best, please let us know. We will be happy to help.