Ph.D. Career Interview Hero
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S.Y
Research and Development
Department: -
Year Joined: 2025
Major: Department of Physics
Quantum computer Quantum algorithms Quantum error-correcting codes Fault-tolerant quantum computing compiler Quantum Computer Architecture
S.Y
会社アイコン Blocqについて
We are a deep-tech startup developing software infrastructure to accelerate the practical implementation of quantum computers. For quantum computers to be truly integrated into society, it is essential not only to advance hardware but also to integrate advanced quantum algorithms, efficient compilers, and quantum error correction technologies.

Our team brings together PhD-level talent from diverse backgrounds—including physics, computer science, and mathematics—to conduct R&D that seamlessly bridges the gap between theory and implementation. Our portfolio includes many cutting-edge projects, and we are constantly pursuing technological breakthroughs at the global forefront.

Together with team members driven by a strong commitment to “translating theory into societal implementation,” we aim to build the infrastructure for the quantum era from the ground up. Here, you’ll find an environment where the deep expertise and logical thinking skills cultivated during your doctoral studies can be transformed into the power to shape the future.

Blocq
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Ph.D. Employee Interview
Read detailed interviews about Ph.D. career choices.
Q1
Why did you choose this path?
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I wanted to do work that went beyond academic research and made a practical impact on society, so after earning my Ph.D., I worked in research and development in the field of AI at a major corporation’s research laboratory.
Later, as the demonstration and commercialization of quantum error correction became increasingly realistic, I found myself strongly drawn to the field. Recognizing it as an area where I could leverage both the physics knowledge I had cultivated during my doctoral studies and the software development experience from my previous job, I decided to take on the challenge of turning quantum computing into a practical technology. This led me to join BlocQ, initially as a side project, and later as a full-time employee.
Q2
What is the relationship with the doctoral program?
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During my doctoral studies, I conducted theoretical research based on quantum mechanics using cooled atomic gases. Since neutral-atom devices—a prime example of a practical quantum computing approach—involve the use of cooled atomic gases, I feel there is a strong connection between the two fields.
On the other hand, the development of quantum algorithms and compilers is a field with a stronger focus on computer science than on quantum mechanics itself. Nevertheless, my experience conducting research in the quantum field and the fundamental skills I cultivated as a researcher have directly contributed to my current work.
Q3
What struggles or hard work (especially effort) did you experience regarding your career path or choices?
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Since I started my current job by taking on a side gig, it was a definite plus that I was able to make the decision to switch careers with a clear understanding of what the job entailed. On the other hand, the period when I was juggling my main job, family life, and side gig was extremely challenging. I had a really hard time finding time to study and work after my main job ended or on my days off, and switching my mindset between different types of work while preparing for the transition was quite a struggle.
Q4
Did you experience any anxieties or challenges when returning to doctoral studies after working as a professional?
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Rather than getting through it all on my own, I’ve been greatly supported by my family’s understanding and cooperation. It meant a lot that they accepted my busy schedule and allowed me to be flexible with my time. I strongly feel how important the support of those around me is for continuing my research and work.
Q5
What skills acquired during your doctoral studies are useful in your current job?
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What has been most helpful is my ability to quickly catch up on unfamiliar fields. Developing practical applications for quantum computers requires expertise across a wide range of fields, from algorithms and error correction to compilers and hardware, and we are actively working on many of these areas at our company. Furthermore, since the areas we prioritize are reviewed regularly, I must quickly acquire the necessary knowledge each time. I feel that my ability to grasp information broadly and superficially, as well as my ability to deeply analyze important papers, were honed during my doctoral studies.
Q6
During your job search as a doctoral candidate, what aspects of yourself do you believe were valued by our company?
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I think the key factor was that, through my side job, I was able to work with them directly and demonstrate how well I fit with the company and how I could contribute. On top of that, I believe they also valued the combination of my background in quantum mechanics, which I developed during my doctoral studies, and my experience in software research and development from my previous job.
Q7
Have you ever had an experience where you felt glad to have a PhD within the company?
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Many of our current employees hold PhDs, so the degree itself rarely serves as a distinct advantage. On the other hand, I believe that our ability to move fluidly between intuition and logic while grounding our work in research papers and facts—and thereby focusing on core issues to advance technical discussions—is a strength unique to an organization with many employees who have completed doctoral programs.
Q8
Please explain the connection between your current work and your doctoral research.
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My current primary responsibilities include the implementation of quantum error-correcting codes and the design and development of compilers for quantum programs. Although my current research topics differ from those of my doctoral studies, the cooled atomic gases I worked with at the time are closely related to neutral atoms—a representative quantum computing approach—and I feel a strong affinity for this field. Furthermore, the skills I cultivated during my doctoral studies—such as the ability to read and analyze research papers and the capacity to organize and think through abstract problems—which can be described as the fundamental physical stamina of research, form the foundation of my current work.
Balloon Message to Ph.D. Students
The ability to “pioneer uncharted territory on your own”—a skill honed in graduate school—becomes your greatest asset in the startup world, where there are no clear-cut answers. I myself am tackling the daunting challenge of making quantum computers practical by combining my knowledge of physics with engineering. Don’t get too bogged down in your specialized field; instead, trust the “fundamental research skills” you’ve developed and take the plunge by joining a company through a side gig or internship. There are vast fields beyond academia where you can fully unleash your spirit of inquiry.