2026 Internship: Hamiltonian Learning

Job Description

Job Title: 2026 Internship Project: Hamiltonian Learning. Location: Berkeley, CA or Fremont, CA, Hybrid with remote flexibility

Job Type: Internship, 3 months, Summer 2026

Responsibilities:

• Implement algorithms to learn the native Hamiltonian and noise governing qubits on a superconducting quantum chip during parallel gate execution
• Model the effective Hamiltonian and noise on a small multi-qubit subsystem
• Co-design experiments to validate the theoretical model
• Reconstruct Hamiltonian and noise parameters using numerical simulations
• Validate the developed model directly on quantum hardware;
• Build a pre-production research codebase for continued development
• Collaborate with benchmarking, calibration, and device theory teams
• Communicate findings clearly to cross-functional technical teams

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a Master’s or PhD in quantum many-body physics, quantum information, or a related field
• Strong experience using Python for advanced simulations of quantum many-body systems
• Strong analytical thinking and ability to interpret complex results
• Clear technical communication skills;
• Self-motivated and able to work independently

Preferred:

• Hands-on experience designing and running experiments on quantum hardware
• Experience collaborating with theorists and experimentalists in research environments
• Experience with Python libraries such as numpy, scipy, QuTiP, and JAX;
• Publication record in quantum physics

Benefits and Compensation:

• Hourly pay range: $35 to $50 depending on academic level
  • Undergraduate: $35 per hour
  • Master’s level: $45 per hour
  • Graduate level: $50 per hour
• Housing stipend up to $2,000 for candidates relocating for the summer
• Flexible start and end dates;
• Hybrid work option with flexibility to work remotely or in the Berkeley office
• Mentors will be remote

Other Information:

• Rigetti is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Applications from women, minorities, and under-represented groups are encouraged
• The company complies with all equal opportunity and anti-discrimination laws
• AI tools may be used during parts of the hiring process, but final decisions are made by humans
• Candidates may contact the company for more information about data processing;
• Rigetti designs and manufactures its own quantum chips and operates full-stack quantum computing systems
• Applicants can submit interest for future roles if this position is not a fit