Summer Internship 2026 - Quantum Science, UK

Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Fixed-term | £30,000 - £35,000 per annum (pro rata) DOE 

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 our internships 

Our full-time summer internships are designed to enable current students in a technical field to translate their skills and expertise into an industrial setting. You will join us at our Head Office in Cambridge, UK, for 10 to 12 weeks, where you will have the opportunity to work alongside our team of talented software and hardware engineers, mathematicians, quantum information theorists, computational chemists and physicists – all experts in their fields.  

Every intern will have a dedicated supervisor and will work on a 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 such as a paper, product, or software tool. 

What you will do 

• Develop, devise and research algorithms and software to enhance Riverlane’s capabilities, contributing to one or more projects that are core to Riverlane’s goals 

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

• Develop an understanding of quantum computers and their industrial applications 

What we need 

• At the time of application, you will be a current student, in your 2nd+ year of your Bachelor's OR part way through your Master's or PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, or a related technical field 

• Proven ability in computational and/or theoretical work 

• Experience with at least one programming language 

• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving ability 

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal 

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

• An interest in quantum computing (extensive knowledge or experience is not required) 

Important notes 

• We are only able to consider applications from (i) current university students, who already have (ii) eligibility to work in the UK (e.g. UK/Irish nationals OR those who have UK/Irish settled/pre-settled status OR those who are on a valid UK student visa (iii) For those on a UK student visa, regrettably we can only accept applications from Bachelor's/Master's students (and not PhD students).  

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

• You must be available full-time for 10 to 12 weeks over the summer, from Monday 15th June 2026 until Friday 4th September 2026. 

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

• Internships are based at our Head Office in Cambridge, UK. 

How to apply 

Please upload a CV and covering letter here. Your CV should include the grades that you have so far received in your degree(s). The covering letter should explain why you are applying for the internship and what skills and experience you can bring to the role. 

Our summer internships start on Monday 15th June 2026 and end on Friday 4th September 2026. 

Deadline 

Please submit your application by Sunday 16th November 2025. Interviews will be held in Cambridge (or virtually if required) during late November/early December 2025. 

Stipend 

Interns receive a competitive stipend. The annual stipend is £30,000 for Bachelor's students, £32,000 Master's students and £35,000 for PhD students (pro rata). We will also pay for any expenses incurred as part of your role e.g. travel to meetings or conferences etc. Please note that 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.