Quantum Algorithms Theory Intern 2027

IBM

Boston (MA)

On-site

USD 82,000 - 164,000

Part time

3 days ago

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Job summary

IBM Research invites applications for a Quantum Algorithms Theory Intern. You will work with theorists to develop new quantum algorithms for fault-tolerant quantum computers, shaping projects with a mentor.

Your work may span quantum algorithm design, complexity theory, quantum simulation, and learning approaches, with an emphasis on theoretical contributions. The internship emphasizes collaboration, documentation, and potential publication in peer-reviewed venues, as part of IBM's research

Qualifications

Enrollment in an academic graduate program (Ph.D. or research-focused Master's) in Physics, CS, Mathematics, Engineering, or related field with a focus on quantum computing.
Coursework or research projects in quantum algorithms, quantum information theory, computational complexity and linear algebra.
Demonstrated experience performing independent theoretical research (courses, thesis, or publications).
Experience with at least one general-purpose programming language (e.g., Python).
Interest in tackling open problems aligned with IBM's roadmap for fault-tolerant quantum computing.

Responsibilities

Investigate a well-defined research question in quantum algorithms aiming for original theoretical contributions for fault-tolerant quantum computation.
Compare potential quantum speed-ups against state-of-the-art classical methods using computational complexity tools.
Discuss connections to implementations for fault-tolerant architectures with colleagues across teams.
Document and present findings with goal of peer-reviewed publication or conference submission.

Skills

Quantum algorithms

Computational complexity

Python

Independent research

Quantum information

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Job description

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.

Your role and responsibilities

As a research intern with the IBM Theory of Quantum Algorithms team, you will work alongside our theorists to discover and develop new quantum algorithms for scientifically and practically meaningful problems, with a focus on algorithms designed for fault-tolerant quantum computers. Your project will be shaped in collaboration with your mentor and may draw on areas such as quantum algorithm design, computational complexity theory, quantum simulation, algorithms for differential equations, and quantum approaches to learning and testing. Over the course of the internship, you will:

Investigate a well-defined research question in quantum algorithms, working toward original theoretical contributions suited to fault-tolerant quantum computation.
Characterize potential quantum speed-ups by comparing candidate algorithms against state-of-the-art classical methods, using tools from computational complexity theory.
Consider how your algorithmic ideas connect to implementations suited to fault-tolerant quantum architectures, in discussion with colleagues across compilation and error correction.
Document and present your findings, with the goal of producing results suitable for a peer-reviewed publication or conference submission.

Required education

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred education

Master's Degree

Required technical and professional expertise

Enrollment in an academic graduate program (Ph.D. or research-focused Master's) in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a closely related field, with a focus on quantum computing, quantum information theory, or theoretical computer science.
Coursework or research projects in quantum algorithms, quantum information theory, computational complexity and linear algebra.
Demonstrated experience performing independent theoretical research, such as coursework projects, a thesis, or prior publications.
Experience with at least one general-purpose programming language, such as Python.
Passion for tackling open problems of strategic interest to IBM's roadmap for fault-tolerant quantum computing, including simulation of physical systems, differential equations, and learning and testing.

Preferred technical and professional experience

Publications or preprints in quantum algorithms, quantum complexity theory, or related areas.
Programming experience in core and scientific Python libraries (e.g. NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib) and Qiskit.
Familiarity with Git and/or GitHub.
Familiarity with AI tooling for research.

ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT

IBM Research is the organic growth engine of IBM and an innovation engine for our customers and partners. As part of this mission, IBM Research anticipates and examines 'What's Next in Computing' to ultimately create and integrate the technologies the world relies upon to solve big challenges and unlock new opportunities. We create and pioneer new markets for IBM, our partners and customers as exemplified in our ongoing quest to reach practical and large-scale quantum computing. Across IBM Research, we realize the power and potential to accelerate discovery with our partners and clients by combining the power of high performance computing, AI, and Quantum, all integrated through the hybrid cloud.

YOUR LIFE @ IBM

In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.

Being an IBMer means you’ll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you’ll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background.

Our IBMers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide on-going feedback to help other IBMers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our IBMers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to IBM becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can-do attitude and always striving for an outcome focused approach within everything that they do.

Are you ready to be an IBMer?

ABOUT IBM

IBM’s greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.

Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we’re also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 500 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business.

At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it’s time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.

IBM is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS

Supplemental 1 employees may be eligible for up to 8 paid holidays, minimum of 56 hours paid sick time and the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan. IBM offers paid family medical leave and disability benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law.
This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 15 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role.
We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.

The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.

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