Multiverse Computing
Multiverse is a well-funded, fast-growing deep-tech company founded in 2019. We are the largest quantum software company in the EU and have been recognized by CB Insights (2023 and 2025) as one of the 100 most promising AI companies in the world.
With 180+ employees and growing, our team is fully multicultural and international. We deliver hyper-efficient software for companies seeking a competitive edge through quantum computing and artificial intelligence.
Our flagship products, CompactifAI and Singularity, address critical needs across various industries:
Singularity is a quantum- and quantum-inspired optimization platform used by blue-chip companies to solve complex problems in finance, energy, manufacturing, and beyond. It integrates seamlessly with existing systems and delivers immediate performance gains on classical and quantum hardware.
You’ll be working alongside world-leading experts to develop solutions that tackle real-world challenges. We’re looking for passionate individuals eager to grow in an ethics-driven environment that values sustainability and diversity.
We’re committed to building a truly inclusive culture - come and join us.
The Research Director is a senior scientific leadership role responsible for shaping and executing Multiverse Computing's research strategy across both quantum computing and artificial intelligence. Reporting directly to the Chief Scientific Officer, you will lead a high-calibre, multidisciplinary research organisation, drive the translation of cutting-edge science into product-ready innovations, and represent the company in the global research community.
This role demands a rare combination: deep technical expertise spanning quantum algorithms and modern AI/ML, proven experience managing large, distributed research teams, and the commercial acumen to align research priorities with business objectives. You will be a key voice in the company's scientific direction and a trusted partner to the CSO.
Strategic Research Leadership
• Define and own the multi-year research roadmap across quantum computing, quantum-inspired algorithms, and AI/ML, ensuring alignment with company strategy and product priorities.
• Partner closely with the CSO to translate scientific vision into concrete, deliverable research programmes.
• Identify emerging research trends and opportunities — including quantum advantage milestones, foundation model compression, and hybrid quantum-classical methods — and position Multiverse at the frontier.
• Represent Multiverse Computing at top-tier international conferences, workshops, and scientific advisory boards.
Team Leadership & People Management
• Lead, mentor, and grow a diverse, senior research organisation comprising quantum scientists, ML researchers, software engineers, and applied mathematicians.
• Set clear goals and performance expectations, conduct rigorous reviews, and cultivate a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and psychological safety.
• Recruit and retain world-class research talent, working with HR and the CSO to build a compelling scientific environment.
• Coach team leads and senior researchers, supporting their professional development and career progression.
Research Operations & Delivery
• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of concurrent research projects across quantum and AI workstreams, ensuring high scientific quality and on-time delivery.
• Establish robust KPIs, milestones, and reporting frameworks to track research progress, publication output, IP generation, and product handoffs.
• Manage research budgets, resource allocation, and external collaborations including university partnerships, EU-funded projects, and industrial consortia.
• Ensure seamless knowledge transfer between research and product/engineering teams, bridging the gap from scientific insight to deployable technology.
Cross-functional & External Collaboration
• Collaborate with Product, Engineering, and Business Development to ensure research outputs are commercially relevant and technically integrable.
• Build and maintain relationships with leading academic institutions, national laboratories, and industry partners.
• Support pre-sales and customer engagements by articulating research capabilities and roadmap to technical and executive audiences.
• Contribute to grant applications, scientific publications, patents, and white papers that strengthen Multiverse's intellectual leadership.
Qualifications & Experience
• PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a closely related field with a strong publication record in quantum computing and/or AI/ML.
• 8+ years of overall experience including post-doctoral research experience, with at least 2 years in a senior research leadership or management role.
• Demonstrated expertise in both quantum computing (algorithms, tensor networks, variational methods, or quantum-inspired techniques) and modern AI/ML (deep learning, large language models, or model optimisation).
• Proven track record of leading and scaling multidisciplinary research teams of 15+ people across geographically distributed locations.
• Experience managing research portfolios in a commercial or deep-tech environment, balancing long-horizon science with near-term product delivery.
• Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to set direction, prioritise ruthlessly, and communicate complex research concepts to non-specialist audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills — credible with both world-class scientists and C-suite executives.
• Experience with tensor network methods (MPS, DMRG, PEPS) and their applications to ML or optimisation.
• Familiarity with quantum hardware platforms (superconducting, photonic, neutral atom) and their current limitations.
• Track record of securing competitive research funding (EU Horizon, national grants, DARPA-equivalent programmes).
• Experience working with or advising enterprise clients on quantum or AI strategy.
As an equal opportunity employer, Multiverse Computing is committed to building an inclusive workplace. The company welcomes people from all different backgrounds, including age, citizenship, ethnic and racial origins, gender identities, individuals with disabilities, marital status, religions and ideologies, and sexual orientations to apply.
