Chief Scientific Officer

My client, a stealth-mode quantum fintech venture, backed by a leading global financial institution, is on a mission to transform the future of quantitative analytics. By combining breakthroughs in quantum computing, AI, and machine learning with deep financial domain expertise, we are building next-generation applications that will redefine performance in financial services.

As Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), you will spearhead our scientific strategy, leading advanced research and innovation while ensuring that cutting-edge discoveries translate into commercial impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end research, design, and implementation of quantum, quantum-inspired, and advanced machine learning algorithms to power high-performance financial applications.
• Conduct deep research into both classical and quantum computing approaches, identifying opportunities for disruptive improvements.
• Provide strategic direction to guide the company’s research agenda in quantum technologies, AI, and quantitative finance.
• Collaborate with the CTO to integrate algorithmic advances into the platform and applications.
• Stay at the forefront of developments in gate-based quantum computing, adiabatic quantum computing, variational algorithms, QUBOs, tensor networks, quantum machine learning, quantum simulations, Fourier transforms, simulated annealing, and other optimisation techniques.
• Tune and optimise applications to ensure peak performance across a variety of quantum hardware back-ends and middleware environments.
• Design and develop proof-of-concept prototypes that showcase algorithmic and hardware-driven advances.
• Publish selected research and thought leadership, while protecting IP through patents and legal frameworks.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and strategic partners in the quantum technology ecosystem (hardware providers, middleware, and software platforms).
• Ensure strategic alignment with commercial priorities while fostering collaboration across teams and with other C-level executives.

Ideal Candidate:

• 10+ years in cutting-edge research across computer science, quantum computing, and applied machine learning, with at least 2+ years in a professional or commercial research setting.
• Deep expertise in quantum algorithms and applications, including both gate-based and adiabatic approaches.
• Broad knowledge of algorithmic methods: supervised/unsupervised machine learning, neural networks, transformers, tensor networks, evolutionary algorithms, PDEs, Monte Carlo simulations, discrete/continuous optimisation, and beyond.
• Strong track record of publications in high-impact journals and experience leading research-to-commercialisation initiatives.
• Financial services exposure (e.g., trading, fraud detection, risk management) is highly valuable.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to balance academic innovation and commercial application in a fast-paced fintech environment.
• Proven leadership skills and the ability to communicate complex concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.