Quantum Software Intern

Phasecraft is the quantum algorithms company. We are building the mathematical foundations for quantum computing applications that solve real-world problems. Founded in 2019 by Toby Cubitt, Ashley Montanaro and John Morton, we are based in London and Bristol in the UK and opened an office in Washington DC in 2024, led by Steve Flammia. In 2025 we completed a $34m Series B funding round co-led by Plural, existing investor Playground Global, and Novo Holdings’ Quantum Fund in its first direct quantum software investment.

Phasecraft’s unprecedented access to today’s best quantum computers – through partnerships with Google, IBM, Quantinuum and QuEra – provides us with unique opportunities to develop foundational IP, inform the development of next-generation quantum hardware, and accelerate commercialization of high-value breakthroughs.

We are delighted to launch our 2026 Quantum Software Internship programme. As a Quantum Software Intern you will have the opportunity to join the Phasecraft team for a few (typically 3) months. Not only will you work on a technical research project focusing on the design, implementation or analysis of quantum algorithms and related techniques in near-term quantum computing, but you will also have the chance to experience life in a young and vibrant startup that is constantly pushing the boundaries of our knowledge of quantum computing. Past projects have ranged from theoretical work on the underpinning mathematics of quantum algorithms to writing code for real or simulated quantum hardware.

Our recent internship programmes have proven to be meaningful and successful. In 2022 we hired our first permanent staff member who had previously participated in our Internship programme and we have several ongoing collaborations with former interns. Some of the work undertaken during internships has also been published (Optimizing fermionic encodings for both Hamiltonian and hardware and Extracting the spin excitation spectrum of a fermionic system using a quantum processor). Our team has enjoyed working on challenging projects with talented interns with diverse academic backgrounds including Quantum Information Theory, Materials Science, Physics and Computer Science.

The internship is a paid position with a competitive salary. Interns are based with the Phasecraft team in our offices in Bristol and London in the UK and Washington DC in the US. Internships usually take place over the summer months, though dates can be flexible.

As a Quantum Software Intern, we expect the ideal candidate will have experience in the implementation of advanced quantum algorithms or otherwise strong evidence of potential to contribute to this area. A background in quantum computing is not necessarily required nor is a track record of publishing scientific papers in this area; however the candidate should be able to demonstrate a keen interest in quantum computing through formal or independent studies.

Essential criteria:

• Good understanding of algorithms and algorithmic analysis.
• Strong programming skills, including in Python.
• Bachelor or Masters degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or closely related field.
• Enthusiasm for learning and novel research.

Desirable criteria:

• Exposure to quantum computing and/or quantum information theory, via formal or independent studies.
• Experience coding in quantum development environments (e.g. Cirq, Qiskit, QuEST) or in implementing quantum algorithms or novel classical algorithms on classical computers
• Programming experience in Julia

To apply, please click on "Apply for this job" below and include your CV, details of two referees, a covering letter and academic transcript. The closing date is 8th February 2026.

This 3-month internship pays $36/hour, for 40 hours per week. This rate includes an accommodation allowance element.