Staff Quantum Algorithm Theorist

At IBM Research, we are the innovation engine of IBM. Exploring what’s next in computing and shaping the technologies the world will rely on tomorrow. From advancing AI and hybrid cloud to pioneering practical quantum computing, we anticipate challenges and unlock new opportunities for clients, partners, and society. Working in Research means joining a team that accelerates discovery at the intersection of high-performance computing, AI, quantum, and cloud. You’ll collaborate with leading scientists, engineers, and visionaries to push boundaries and turn ideas into reality. With a culture built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, IBM Research offers the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to breakthroughs that transform industries and change the world.

Staff Research Scientists at IBM Quantum operate at the frontier of quantum computing, advancing the field through fundamental research that shapes the future of the technology. Join a team of theorists and scientists charting the path toward scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computation. In this role, you will dedicate yourself to theoretical investigation, contributing original ideas that expand what is possible with quantum computers.

As a Staff Quantum Algorithm Theorist, you will pursue fundamental research aimed at discovering and developing new quantum algorithms across a range of useful application areas. Specifically, you will:

- Lead projects on the design of novel and efficient quantum algorithms for practically useful problems, with a focus on implementations suited to fault-tolerant quantum computers.
- Rigorously characterize quantum speed-ups using tools from computational complexity theory and through careful comparison with state-of-the-art classical methods.
- Collaborate with our compiler, error-correction, and hardware research teams to refine and optimize algorithms for early fault-tolerant quantum architectures.
- Disseminate your findings through publications in leading peer-reviewed journals and presentations at premier scientific conferences.
- Contribute to the broader research community by engaging with academic collaborators and helping to shape the intellectual direction of quantum algorithms research.

- Demonstrated research experience in the design and analysis of quantum algorithms.
- A track record of independent theoretical research, evidenced by original contributions to the field.
- Solid foundation in quantum information theory, computational complexity, and linear algebra.
- Proficiency in at least one general-purpose programming language.

- Experience mentoring students and postdocs.
- Experience leading projects with junior team members.
- Strong publication record in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and top-tier conference proceedings.
- Experience serving on technical program committees or as a reviewer for reputable conferences and journals in quantum computing or theoretical computer science.
- Postdoctoral research experience or completion of a graduate program with substantial focus on quantum algorithms, quantum complexity theory, or related areas.