Theory Lead

France·ParisFull - timelead

OtherLead

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Quick Summary

Key Responsibilities

You will define and drive the company’s theory roadmap, leveraging the expertise of team members to align with hardware development,

Technical Tools

OtherLead

Founded in 2020 and based in the heart of Paris, C12’s mission is to be at the center of one of the biggest technological breakthroughs of the century and change the course of history by building a universal quantum computer.

At C12, we believe that achieving a true breakthrough in quantum computing requires rethinking the fundamentals. That’s why our founders—deeply rooted in academic and engineering excellence—have chosen carbon nanotubes as the building blocks of our quantum processors. This ultra-pure material dramatically reduces error rates, boosts performance, and minimizes hardware overhead—key ingredients for scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing. By crafting a unique approach that scales, we aim to revolutionize quantum computing just as silicon transformed classical computing.

Since our founding, we’ve raised over €25 million in funding, published 11 scientific papers, and secured 8 patents. Today, our fast-growing team of 80+, including 25 PhDs, has over 26 nationalities represented. We have our own cutting-edge lab spaces in Paris' historic Panthéon district, where scientists, engineers, and innovators work side-by-side to tackle some of the most exciting technical challenges of our time.

If you're passionate about shaping the future of quantum technology and want to make a real impact, C12 offers a unique environment to grow, learn, and innovate.

As Theory Lead at C12, you are expected to lead and coordinate the Theory & Applications team across three main areas:

Hardware Modeling

Quantum Error Correction

Quantum Algorithms for Industrial Applications

Key responsibilities:

You will define and drive the company’s theory roadmap, leveraging the expertise of team members to align with hardware development, business priorities and industrial quantum advantage opportunities

You will strengthen the company’s error correction strategy, from quantum error correction code benchmarking to implementation and fault-tolerance roadmap

You will drive co-design efforts between hardware and theory teams, working closely with domain experts to define scalable quantum computing architectures and long-term scalability strategies

You will recruit, mentor and structure the theory team as the company grows

You will establish collaborations with academia and research partners, and contribute to the scientific visibility and positioning of the company within the quantum ecosystem

You will prioritize research directions and resources by balancing scientific ambition, hardware feasibility and business impact, while building consensus across technical experts

You have a strong background in quantum computing with expertise in either:

Quantum Error Correction

Quantum Algorithms

You have a broad understanding of the quantum computing stack and ability to engage effectively with experts across theory and hardware domains

You have an architecture-level understanding of scalable quantum computing and fault-tolerant strategies

You have demonstrated scientific leadership, with the ability to articulate a vision, align experts and drive execution

You have an ability to connect theoretical developments with experimental and hardware constraints

Experience leading or mentoring research teams is highly appreciated

Experience working in startups or fast-pace private-sector environments is highly appreciated

What We Offer

~1 min read

✓92,000 euros to 108,000 euros yearly base salary

✓Stock options for every employee (BSPCE/ESOP)

✓Sponsored trip to conferences around the world

✓A highly dynamic international team

✓Swile meal vouchers

✓Mental health support with moka.care

✓Training budget/ Annual Learning & Development Allowance

✓Sabbatical leave (after 2 years in the company)

✓Vibrant office culture (two office spaces in the heart of Paris, team lunches, offsite events, Friday breakfasts..)

You like hands-on work and technology
You want to contribute to achieving landmark results in quantum computing, making a difference in the emerging quantum technologies
You want to work within a team of 80+ people with various backgrounds in nanofabrication, quantum electronics, and carbon nanotube science to create a revolutionary quantum computing processor
You want to thrive in an exceptional scientific environment with several industrial and academic partners
You share our values (excellence, scientific integrity, diversity, curiosity, and care) and want to help us define our product-focused culture and ambition to accelerate

We still encourage even if you don’t meet all the requirements. Rest assured, we are committed to finding the right fit for our team and are open to adjusting compensations based on skills and experiences.

Applications from women are especially welcomed!