PhD Research Internship 2027

Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Fixed-term, 3–6 months | Hybrid

Salary: £37,000 per annum, 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 

Our full-time PhD internships offer current doctoral students the opportunity to apply their research skills to scientific and technical challenges in industry. You do not need a background in quantum computing to apply. We welcome students from a wide range of quantitative disciplines, including mathematics, physics, computer science and engineering. 

Based at our headquarters in Cambridge, UK, you will work alongside researchers and engineers tackling challenges in quantum error correction and its applications. You will have a dedicated supervisor and a defined project matched to your background and skills, with support to develop your understanding of quantum computing. 

We aim for every internship to deliver a tangible contribution, such as a research paper, an algorithm, a software tool or a contribution to a product. 

What you will do

Depending on your project, you could: 

• Investigate quantum error correction codes, decoding methods or related research challenges. 

• Develop algorithms, simulations or software to support Riverlane’s research and technology. 

• Explore quantum algorithms and their potential industrial applications. 

Throughout your internship, you will: 

• Contribute to a project that supports Riverlane’s scientific or technical goals. 

• Work with your supervisor and colleagues to develop ideas, evaluate approaches and solve problems. 

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

What we need 

• Currently pursuing a PhD in a quantitative discipline, such as physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering or a related technical field.

• Evidence of creative, high-quality research relevant to your stage of study.

• Experience with at least one general-purpose programming language.

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting scientific work to others.

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

• An interest in applying your academic expertise to practical challenges in industry.

Important notes 

• PhD students must temporarily step away from their PhD studies to undertake this internship. We can therefore only accept applications from current PhD students who do not require a visa to study in the UK and who already have the right to work in the UK for the full internship duration.

• We are unable to provide visa sponsorship or letters of support for sponsorship applications for this internship.

• PhD internships are full-time and between 3 and 6 months in length. Start dates can be flexible in 2027 – 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 CV and covering letter through our careers page. Your CV should include the grades you have received in your degree(s). Your covering letter should explain why you are applying for the PhD research internship, what skills and experience you would bring, and your preferred start date and internship duration.

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.