Quantum Algorithms Theory Intern 2027

IBM Computing; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 45,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Facility access

Job summary

IBM Research in San Jose is seeking a research intern to join the Theory of Quantum Algorithms team and contribute to developing new quantum algorithms for fault-tolerant quantum computers. You will work with theorists and mentors to shape a project across quantum algorithm design, complexity theory, and quantum simulation, with a focus on practical implementations using Python and Qiskit.

The internship emphasizes independent research, collaboration, and opportunities to contribute to

Qualifications

• Enrollment in an academic graduate program (Ph.D. or research-focused Master's)
• Coursework or research in quantum algorithms or quantum information theory
• Demonstrated experience in independent theoretical research
• Experience with Python or similar languages
• Interest in fault-tolerant quantum computing and related simulations

Responsibilities

• Investigate a defined research question in quantum algorithms for fault-tolerant quantum computation
• Compare quantum speed-ups against classical methods using computational complexity
• Collaborate with colleagues in compilation, error correction, and related areas
• Document and present findings suitable for publication or conference submission

Skills

Python programming

Independent theoretical research

Communication of findings

Education

Graduate program in Physics, CS, Math, or Engineering

Tools

Git/GitHub

Qiskit

NumPy/SciPy

Job description

Introduction

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‑ast 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 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.
• Prior exposure to fault-tolerant quantum computing concepts, quantum error correction, or quantum compilation.

IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and 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, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.