--- title: 'Research Scientist - Frontier AI/ML & Quantum Algorithms at Sygaldry Technologies' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/research-scientist-frontier-ai-ml-quantum-algorithms-sygaldry-technologies-san-qq0yqydk1zw7' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-10' --- # Research Scientist - Frontier AI/ML & Quantum Algorithms at Sygaldry Technologies - **Company:** Sygaldry Technologies - **Location:** San Francisco, CA - **Compensation:** $200k–$300k - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-05-13 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-10 - **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/sygaldry-technologies/b3da2027-c22b-4197-93f5-c68e16ec0767 ## Job description ## About Sygaldry Sygaldry Technologies is building quantum-accelerated AI servers to exponentially speed up training and inference for AI. By integrating quantum and AI, we're accelerating the path to superintelligence, and addressing the problem of rising compute costs and energy bottlenecks. Sygaldry AI servers combine multiple qubit types within a single, fault-tolerant architecture to deliver the combination of cost, scale, and speed necessary for advanced AI applications. We pioneer new domains in physics, engineering, and AI, tackling the hardest challenges with a grounded, optimistic, and rigorous culture. We're looking for individuals ready to define the intersection of quantum and AI and drive its profound global impact. ## About the Role Frontier AI is moving toward scientific reasoning and design: molecules, materials, proteins, weather, climate, dynamical systems, quantum devices, and controlled physical systems. These domains expose deep computational bottlenecks in sampling, probabilistic inference, optimization, simulation, uncertainty quantification, inverse design, planning, and control. Sygaldry is building quantum-accelerated AI systems for this next era. We are looking for a Research Scientist who can help define Quantum AI: not just quantum machine learning, but the broader study of how fault-tolerant quantum computation can transform the primitives of learning, inference, reasoning, prediction, geometry, and control. In this role, you will work at the intersection of frontier AI/ML, quantum algorithms, scientific machine learning, and hardware-software co-design. You will identify where quantum computation can provide genuine structural advantage for AI workloads, develop new theoretical and empirical frameworks, and translate research insights into systems that inform real quantum hardware and AI architecture decisions. ## What You'll Work On Frontier AI for Scientific Discovery Develop and study models for high-dimensional scientific prediction, generation, and design, including: - Diffusion models, flow matching, consistency models, score-based generative models, energy-based models, latent-variable models, autoregressive models, and normalizing flows. - Scientific foundation models for molecules, materials, proteins, quantum systems, weather, climate, PDEs, and dynamical systems. - Graph neural networks, geometric deep learning, equivariant models, neural operators, tensor methods, manifold learning, and learning on structured state spaces. - Models that combine prediction, uncertainty, active learning, and closed-loop design for scientific discovery. Learning, Inference, and Reasoning Build algorithms and theory for the computational primitives that matter most for next-generation AI systems: - Probabilistic inference, Bayesian modeling, variational inference, Monte Carlo methods, simulation-based inference, uncertainty quantification, and calibration. - Optimization, sampling, amortized inference, sequential decision-making, Bayesian experimental design, reinforcement learning, planning, and control. - Scientific reasoning systems, model-guided discovery, algorithmic discovery, and agents that can propose, test, and refine hypotheses. - Benchmarking frameworks that reveal when a new computational substrate changes scaling behavior, not just constant factors. Quantum Algorithms for AI Workloads Identify where quantum computation can accelerate or reshape AI-relevant subroutines, including: - Quantum algorithms for sampling, integration, Monte Carlo acceleration, linear algebra, optimization, Hamiltonian simulation, quantum simulation, and tensor-structured computation. - Fault-tolerant quantum algorithms, resource estimation, complexity analysis, block encoding, QSVT, LCU methods, amplitude estimation, phase estimation, and quantum walks. - Hybrid quantum-classical workflows where quantum primitives are embedded inside classical AI pipelines. - New quantum-native model classes, kernels, embeddings, generative processes, and inference procedures that are mathematically motivated rather than benchmark-driven alone. Hardware-Software Co-Design Collaborate closely with quantum architecture, systems, and hardware teams to connect AI workloads to real machine requirements: - Translate AI and scientific-computing bottlenecks into quantum resource requirements. - Design benchmarks that compare quantum, classical, and hybrid approaches under realistic assumptions. - Inform architecture choices by identifying the algorithms, error budgets, and primitives that matter for future AI workloads. - Build prototypes in Python/JAX/PyTorch and, when useful, quantum software frameworks such as PennyLane, Qiskit, Cirq, CUDA-Q, TensorCircuit, or custom simulators. You May Be a Good Fit If You - Have a research record in machine learning, AI, statistics, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, quantum information, or a related field. - Have deep expertise in at least two of the following: generative modeling, probabilistic inference, uncertainty quantification, geometric deep learning, graph neural networks, optimization, reinforcement learning/control, numerical methods, scientific machine learning, quantum algorithms, or quantum information. - Have published research relevant to audiences at NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, AISTATS, UAI, COLT, QIP, TQC, PRX Quantum, Nature, Science, or similar. - Can move between theory and implementation: deriving algorithms, building prototypes, running careful experiments, and communicating results clearly. - Are experienced with ML frameworks (PyTorch, JAX) and efficient inference implementation. - Are excited to work with quantum hardware teams and help define what AI workloads should demand from future fault-tolerant quantum systems. - Communicate complex ideas clearly across research communities - Value rigor: you are comfortable asking where quantum computation can help, where it cannot, and what evidence would distinguish the two. Strong Candidates May Have - Research experience in diffusion/flow models, energy-based models, probabilistic programming, Bayesian deep learning, neural SDEs/ODEs, simulation-based inference, or scalable Monte Carlo. - Experience with AI for science: molecular design, protein design, drug discovery, materials discovery, weather or climate prediction, quantum chemistry, PDE modeling, dynamical systems, robotics, or control. - Experience with graph/geometric learning, equivariant architectures, neural operators, tensor networks, manifold methods, or structured world models. - Background in quantum algorithms, computational complexity, quantum simulation, quantum chemistry, fault tolerance, resource estimation, or quantum information theory. - Experience with JAX, PyTorch, CUDA/Triton, distributed training/inference, differentiable simulation, or high-performance scientific computing. - A track record of publishing, open-source software, or building research systems that influenced a field. ## How We’re Different At Sygaldry, curiosity and intellectual courage drive our work. We approach ambitious challenges with a grounded, optimistic, and rigorous culture and know that kind people build the strongest teams. We prioritize mission over ego and collaborate openly with a strong sense of shared purpose. We dream big, yet we execute with a love of detail. We’re looking for scientists, engineers, and operators to forge new paths with us at the intersection of quantum and AI. Culture & Benefits - Visa Sponsorship - We know what it takes to make top talent thrive here. We’re open to supporting visas whenever possible. - Compensation - We value your contribution and invest in your future with a competitive salary and meaningful equity. - Benefits - Your well-being matters. We provide company-sponsored health coverage to give you and your family peace of mind. - Connection - Whether it’s company offsite or casual crew socials, we make time to connect, recharge, and have fun together. - Time Off - We trust you to take the time you need. Unlimited PTO so you can rest, recharge, and come back ready to make an impact. We encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every single qualification. If you don’t think this role is right for you, but you believe that you would have something meaningful to contribute to our mission, please reach out at letsbuild@sygaldry.com ## About Sygaldry Technologies ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Sygaldry Technologies is building quantum-accelerated AI servers that combine multiple qubit types in a fault-tolerant architecture to exponentially speed up AI training and inference. - **Entity Type**: Private (Series A) - **Headquarters**: Mountain View, California, USA (with offices in San Francisco, California and Ann Arbor, Michigan) - **Founded**: 2024 - **Founders**: Chad Rigetti, Idalia Friedson, Michael Keiser ## Core Business - **Primary industries**: Quantum computing, AI infrastructure, hardware - **Target customers**: AI companies, enterprise AI developers (B2B) requiring faster, cheaper training and inference. - **Mission**: To build the infrastructure for quantum superintelligence – enabling affordable, sustainable, personalized, and secure AI that augments human capabilities. ## Products & Services - **[Quantum-Accelerated AI Servers]**: Hardware systems that combine multiple complementary qubit modalities within a single fault-tolerant architecture. This design mimics classical computer design (e.g., RAM, storage, processor) and is intended to deliver exponential compute speedup for AI training and inference at a fraction of the cost and energy of GPUs alone. - **[Tools & Integrations]**: Software tools and APIs that allow AI researchers and engineers to integrate quantum capabilities into existing AI models and workflows, enabling faster fine-tuning, faster token generation, and new model architectures. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed - **Key Metric**: $139 million raised in a Series A round (led by Breakthrough Energy and Initialized Capital, announced April 2026) [sygaldry.com](https://sygaldry.com/) plus a prior $125k seed round [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sygaldry-technologies). - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Breakthrough Energy, Initialized Capital, Y Combinator (Spring 2025 batch), Nicolas Dessaigne (Primary Partner at YC). - **Growth Signals**: 10% monthly headcount growth; 21 employees as of mid‑2026; 11 active job postings; appearances in Fortune, Bloomberg, and Inc. Magazine; expanding presence in the US, Austria, and Singapore. ## Competitive Advantages - **Multi‑qubit‑modality architecture**: Sygaldry’s approach of combining different qubit types within one fault‑tolerant server is unique in the quantum industry, analogous to how classical computers use different technologies for RAM, storage, and logic. - **Experienced leadership**: Co‑founder Chad Rigetti previously founded Rigetti Computing (YC S14, NASDAQ: RGTI), a public quantum computing company. Idalia Friedson helped take Rigetti public and has deep tech policy experience. Michael Keiser brings AI/ML expertise. - **Strong funding & backing**: Backed by Breakthrough Energy and Y Combinator, providing both capital and strategic network effects. - **AI‑focused hardware**: Addresses the specific cost, energy, and scaling bottlenecks that classical GPUs face for advanced AI workloads. ## Strategic Focus - Scaling quantum‑accelerated servers for AI data centers. - Developing fault‑tolerant quantum computers that leverage multiple qubit types. - Building an ecosystem of tools, partnerships, and GTM channels to integrate quantum into mainstream AI pipelines. - Expanding the team across quantum physics, AI/ML, engineering, and commercial roles. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Described as “grounded, optimistic, and rigorous” with a focus on tackling the hardest challenges at the intersection of quantum and AI. - **Growth & opportunity**: Rapidly scaling startup (10% monthly headcount growth) with meaningful equity potential and the chance to shape foundational infrastructure. - **Work locations & flexibility**: Offices in San Francisco, CA and Ann Arbor, MI; roles range from fully in‑office to hybrid [builtin.com](https://builtin.com/company/sygaldry). - **Team & perks**: Small, high‑caliber team (21 people) with strong alumni from Keysight, NSF, and University of Michigan. Perks not publicly detailed, but competitive for a well‑funded Series A company. - **Impact**: Directly contributing to the next generation of AI hardware, with potential breakthroughs in cosmology, materials science, and quantum gravity. ## Sources 1. [sygaldry.com](https://sygaldry.com/) 2. [Y Combinator – Sygaldry Technologies](https://www.ycombinator.com/companies/sygaldry-technologies) 3. [LinkedIn – Sygaldry Technologies](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sygaldry-technologies) 4. [Built In – Sygaldry Careers](https://builtin.com/company/sygaldry) 5. [Ashby – Sygaldry Jobs](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/sygaldry-technologies) ## Other roles at Sygaldry Technologies - [Office Operations Assistant](https://feeny.ai/job/office-operations-assistant-sygaldry-technologies-ann-arbor-skxrp4fzfxnw) — Ann Arbor, MI - [Simulation & Modeling Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/simulation-modeling-engineer-sygaldry-technologies-san-francisco-hfc0fjdf5vc7) — San Francisco, CA - [Office Manager/Executive Assistant](https://feeny.ai/job/office-manager-executive-assistant-sygaldry-technologies-san-francisco-zpwwxg4ezdmx) — San Francisco, CA - [Applied AI Scientist, Technology Partnerships (Senior/Principal)](https://feeny.ai/job/applied-ai-scientist-technology-partnerships-senior-principal-sygaldry-7vnkat6hhjnn) — San Francisco, CA - [Head of IT](https://feeny.ai/job/head-of-it-sygaldry-technologies-ann-arbor-wk7t27c47ztn) — Ann Arbor, MI - [Senior Quantum Architect](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-quantum-architect-sygaldry-technologies-ann-arbor-crk6qtjd7g2p) — Ann Arbor, MI - [Business Development & Partnerships](https://feeny.ai/job/business-development-partnerships-sygaldry-technologies-san-francisco-cwwxnyzc21xv) — San Francisco, CA - [Quantum Algorithm Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/quantum-algorithm-engineer-sygaldry-technologies-ann-arbor-kkjjp8fvb0rw) — Ann Arbor, MI - [Head of Modeling & Simulation, Frontier AI Hardware](https://feeny.ai/job/head-of-modeling-simulation-frontier-ai-hardware-sygaldry-technologies-san-c05spdn3a4rc) — San Francisco, CA - [Open Application](https://feeny.ai/job/open-application-sygaldry-technologies-ann-arbor-ksx39d583tbb) — Ann Arbor, MI