Research Internship

Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Fixed-term, 10–12 weeks | Hybrid

Salary: £30,000–£35,000 per annum, depending on experience, paid pro rata for the internship duration.

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.  

Having raised more than $125M in funding to date to accelerate our cutting-edge R&D in quantum error correction (QEC), Riverlane partners with many of the world’s leading quantum hardware providers and government agencies to make fault-tolerant quantum computing a reality. We’re making remarkable progress and growing fast.  

About the role 

As a Research Intern at Riverlane, you will work on a focused project contributing to our quantum error correction research. Depending on the project, you could investigate error correction methods, develop and evaluate decoding algorithms, build simulations or explore the theoretical foundations of QEC. 

You will work alongside researchers, mathematicians and engineers who are experts in their fields. You will have a dedicated supervisor who will help you shape your project, develop your knowledge and work towards a meaningful research outcome over your 10–12-week internship. This could include an analysis of a new approach, a mathematical model, a simulation or an algorithm. 

We welcome students from a range of technical disciplines. You do not need extensive prior knowledge of quantum computing; we are looking for strong analytical skills, curiosity and a willingness to learn. 

What you will do

• Contribute to a focused research project aligned with Riverlane’s scientific goals. 

• Investigate theoretical or computational problems relating to quantum error correction. 

• Develop mathematical models, algorithms or simulations appropriate to your project. 

• Analyse results, compare approaches and draw evidence-based conclusions. 

• Collaborate with researchers and engineers, discussing ideas and learning from their expertise. 

• Communicate your findings through technical discussions, presentations and written reports. 

• Develop your understanding of quantum computing, QEC and the challenges of putting research into practice. 

What we need 

• You must be a current student at the time of application, studying towards a Bachelor’s degree (second year or later), Master’s degree or PhD.

• You must be studying Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering or another related technical subject.

• Evidence of strong theoretical, mathematical or computational skills, demonstrated through coursework, projects or research.

• Experience using at least one programming language.

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• The ability to understand and work with complex technical concepts.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills.

• The ability to take initiative and work effectively as part of a team.

• An interest in quantum computing; extensive prior knowledge or experience is not required.

• Availability to work full-time for 10–12 weeks.

Even better if… 

• You have experience with Python or another language commonly used for scientific computing 

• You have completed an independent research project or communicated technical research through a report, presentation or publication 

• You have experience using version control or collaborative software-development tools 

Important notes 

• You must already have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the internship. If you hold a UK student visa, please check that its conditions allow you to undertake this full-time internship.

• PhD students may need to temporarily step away from their PhD to complete the internship. This may affect their right-to-work status, and applicants should check their individual circumstances 

• You must be available to work full-time for 10 to 12 weeks during the summer vacation period 

• You will be required to sign an agreement assigning ownership of any intellectual property 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 through our careers page. Your CV should include the grades you have received so far in your degree(s). Your covering letter should explain why you are applying for the research internship and what skills and experience you would bring.

Deadline

Please submit your application by Friday 6 November 2026. Interviews will be held in Cambridge, or virtually if required.

What can you expect from us 

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer private medical insurance, a health cash plan and life assurance, as well many other benefits.

You can also 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 25 different nationalities. 

If you have any queries, please contact jobs@riverlane.com. Please do not send your applications to this email address, all applications should be submitted via our careers page.

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. 

GDPR notice: Riverlane collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a European Job Applicant see the privacy notice for further details.