Founding Lab Director — Quantum Computing R&D

Founding Lab Director — Quantum Computing Research & Development

Location: Bangalore, India

Organization Type: Independent Non-Profit Research Institute

About the Gopal Saxena Centre for Advanced Research

The Gopal Saxena Centre for Advanced Research (GSCAR) is an independent, non-profit, start-up-style research institute founded and chaired by Dr. Gopal Saxena, an IIT Delhi alumnus and educationist with over three decades of leadership in academia and technology. Dr. Saxena holds a Ph.D. in Cyberspace Regulation and Policy from the National Law School of India University, Bangalore, and has established several successful educational institutions across India. His vision for the Centre is to create a world-class hub for frontier research in Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, emphasizing both knowledge creation and practical application.

The Quantum Computing R&D initiative within GSCAR will serve as an independent research and innovation lab, combining academic rigor with entrepreneurial energy. The lab will engage in research spanning quantum architectures, algorithms, simulation models, and early-stage commercialization of quantum technologies.

Position Overview

The Founding Lab Director will lead the Quantum Computing Research & Development Lab at GSCAR. This role combines strategic vision, scientific leadership, and institution-building. The Director will define the lab's multi-year research roadmap, lead the research team, guide scholarly publications, and foster collaborations with academic and industry partners.

The position is ideal for a researcher who combines deep technical expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset, and who is motivated to establish India's next-generation research centre in quantum computing.

Key Responsibilities

·      Formulate and implement the research roadmap for the Quantum Computing R&D Lab.

·      Lead original research projects in quantum computer design, quantum algorithms, hybrid architectures, and applications.

·      Publish high-quality papers in internationally respected peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

·      Supervise a team of PhD scholars, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting fellows.

·      Build and manage collaborations with universities, research labs, and technology partners.

·      Oversee the development of proofs-of-concept, quantum simulations, and hardware–software integration frameworks.

·      Contribute to the knowledge ecosystem through workshops, conferences, and whitepapers.

Research Focus Areas

·      Evaluation of viable quantum computer architectures and technology stacks.

·      Development of simulation frameworks and prototype proofs-of-concept.

·      Publication of research papers, technical reports, and position papers on design and implementation feasibility.

·      Drafting quantum technology development roadmaps.

·      Exploring industrial use cases and commercialization pathways for emerging quantum solutions.

Qualifications

·      Ph.D. in Quantum Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related disciplines.

·      Strong record of peer-reviewed publications in quantum computing, quantum information science, or related fields.

·      Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following: quantum algorithms and information theory, quantum hardware design, quantum software and simulation frameworks, or quantum–classical hybrid systems.

·      Prior experience in leading or managing research teams.

·      Proven ability to translate research into actionable outcomes or prototypes.

·      Excellent academic writing, presentation, and collaboration skills.

Desirable Attributes

·      Familiarity with quantum hardware platforms (superconducting, photonic, trapped-ion, etc.).

·      Experience in research start-up environments or R&D incubation programs.

·      Capacity to build strategic partnerships with academia, government, and industry.

·      Commitment to rigorous, ethical, and open research practices.

Governance and Reporting

The Founding Lab Director will:

• Report directly to Dr. Gopal Saxena, Founder and Chairman of GSCAR.

• Work in coordination with an Advisory Board comprising leading experts in physics, computer science, and applied engineering.

• Operate with academic autonomy, while aligning with GSCAR's mission of advancing cutting-edge, socially relevant research.

Position Details

·      Role Type: Full-time, research leadership position.

·      Tenure: Initial 3-year term, renewable based on performance and impact.

·      Location: Bangalore, India.

·      Model: Independent, non-profit research and innovation initiative.

·      Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) including list of publications.

2. Statement of Research Vision (2–3 pages) describing their proposed agenda for the lab's first two years.

3. Summary of Prior Research Achievements.

4. Contact details of two professional referees.

Please email your application to:

Why Join

• This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a pioneering quantum computing research initiative within a mission-driven, non-profit innovation environment. The selected candidate will help shape the intellectual and institutional foundation of the Gopal Saxena Centre for Advanced Research, contributing to India's emerging leadership in the global quantum landscape through high-impact scholarship, collaboration, and innovation.