Superconducting Chip Design Internship H/F

Alice & Bob is developing the first universal, fault-tolerant quantum computer to solve the world’s hardest problems.

The quantum computer we envision building is based on a new kind of superconducting qubit: the Schrödinger cat qubit 🐈‍⬛. In comparison to other superconducting platforms, cat qubits have the astonishing ability to implement quantum error correction autonomously!

We're a diverse team of 140+ brilliant minds from over 20 countries united by a single goal: to revolutionise computing with a practical fault-tolerant quantum machine. Are you ready to take on unprecedented challenges and contribute to revolutionising technology? Join us, and let's shape the future of quantum computing together!

Superconducting qubits with the highest possible lifetimes are crucial for ensuring that quantum states within a QPU persist long enough for quantum algorithms to run successfully. The lifetime of a qubit depends on two main contributions: external loss, which arises from coupling between the qubit and the RF environment; and internal loss, which results from interactions between the qubit’s electromagnetic fields and the surrounding materials near the qubit.

While external loss, though challenging, can be directly simulated using Finite Element Method (FEM) tools, internal loss requires a deep understanding of material properties and surface effects at the microscopic level, as well as the development of advanced analysis methods to accurately capture their impact in simulations. To achieve the highest possible qubit lifetime, it is essential to minimize both types of loss.

As an intern with the Design & Implementation team, you will work on the design and simulation of a testbed aimed at quantifying the sources of internal loss and their distribution across materials and interfaces surrounding the qubit. You will perform FEM simulations to design both the package and the embedded chips, while also developing a measurement plan and analysis methodology to extract key metrics for predicting internal loss in our superconducting qubits.

Responsibilities::
• Review and analyze existing methods for estimating and measuring energy participation ratios (EPR) in superconducting circuits.

• Design and simulate a testbed using conventional FEM tools (e.g., Ansys HFSS) to enable accurate measurement of internal loss of a chip.

• Design a series of superconducting chips to validate the testbed and enable extraction of loss contributions associated with each material interface.

• Design the interfaces between the chips and the testbed, including integration with wiring inside a dilution refrigerator.

• Plan the integration of test chips within standard fabrication processes and workflows.

• Develop measurement and analysis methodologies to robustly quantify loss contributions from individual interfaces.

• Collaborate with circuit designers to translate simulation results into qubit design guidelines and optimizations.

• Document methods, scripts, and results in a clear and reproducible manner for use by team members and future projects.

• Present findings in team meetings and contribute to design reviews for next-generation superconducting qubit architectures.

Requirements::
You are currently enrolled in a Master's degree in Engineering or Physics

• Available for a 5-6 months internship (ideally from August 2026).

• Prior knowledge of electromagnetic field theory.

• First-hand experience with electromagnetic solvers (e.g: Ansys).

• Experience with Python.

• Proficient English skills, both written and spoken.

• A strong curiosity and openness to new ideas

• Research skills (going through existing literature, testing new methods)

Benefits:

- 1 day off per month

- Half of transportation cost coverage (as per French law)

- Meal vouchers with Swile, as well as access to a fully equipped and regularly stocked kitchen

Research shows that women might feel hesitant to apply for this job if they don't match 100% of the job requirements listed. This list is a guide, and we'd love to receive your application even if you think you're only a partial match. We are looking to build teams that innovate, not just tick boxes on a job spec.

You will join of one of the most innovative startups in France at an early stage, to be part of a passionate and friendly team on its mission to build the first universal quantum computer!

We love to share and learn from one another, so you will be certain to innovate, develop new ideas, and have the space to grow.