Research Capabilities Theory Research Scientist Multiple Cities

International Business Machines Corporation; Illinois; On-site; USD 160,000 - 216,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Educational resources and training

Job summary

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is seeking a Capabilities Theory Research Scientist within IBM Quantum to advance understanding of what current and future quantum computers can achieve at physical and logical levels. You will develop and test noise modeling, error mitigation, and benchmarking techniques on IBM hardware, collaborating with theorists and engineers, and publishing results.

The role requires a Doctorate and a strong publication record, with programming in Python

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of relevant research experience in quantum information theory, error mitigation, error correction, or quantum device characterization.
• Proven record of research and accomplishment.
• Programming experience (Python preferred).

Responsibilities

• Develop new methods for noise modeling, error mitigation and benchmarking for physical and logical qubits.
• Prototype methods on IBM quantum hardware and identify scalable ones.
• Collaborate with theorists, experimental physicists and software engineers across the quantum computing stack.
• Publish and communicate research results internally and externally.

Skills

Quantum information theory

Error mitigation

Error correction

Quantum device characterization

Python

Education

Doctorate Degree

Tools

Qiskit

AI tools

Job description

## Capabilities Theory Research ScientistYorktown Heights, Chicago, Illinois, New York, United StatesEntry Level* Email* X* LinkedInApply nowIntroductionAt 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'l 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 responsibilitiesAs a Capabilities Theory Research Scientist at IBM Quantum, you will help establish what current and future generations of quantum computers at the physical and logical level can do, identify what limits them, and find ways to get the best performance out of them. You will develop new tools to understand and extend the capabilities of IBM's quantum processors, and demonstrate those tools on hardware.**Key Responsibilities*** Develop new methods for noise modeling, error mitigation and benchmarking, for both physical and error-corrected (logical) qubits.* Prototype these methods on IBM quantum hardware, and identify the most promising ones to scale up.* Collaborate closely with theorists, experimental physicists and software engineers across the quantum computing stack.* Publish and communicate your research both within and outside IBM, demonstrating strong problem-solving and communication skills.Required educationDoctorate DegreePreferred educationDoctorate DegreeRequired technical and professional expertise* At least 3 years of relevant research experience in quantum information theory, error mitigation, error correction, or quantum device characterization. Doctoral research experience may be included.* Proven record of research and accomplishment.* Programming experience (Python preferred).Preferred technical and professional experience* Experience with noise learning, error mitigation, or quantum error correction.* Experience running experiments on quantum hardware.* Experience using AI tools, such as coding agents, to accelerate research.* Strong publication record in high-impact journals or top conference proceedings.* Experience with Qiskit or similar quantum software development frameworks.### ABOUT BUSINESS UNITIBM 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 @ IBMIn 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 IBMIBM’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 DETAILSIBM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program. Eligible employees may have access to:- Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well being- Financial programs such as 401(k), cash balance pension plan, the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long- term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance based salary incentive programs- Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs. IBM also offers paid family leave benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law- Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI-driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry-recognized certifications to achieve their career goals- Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiencesWe consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 21 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role.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.Job TitleCapabilities Theory Research ScientistDate posted27-Oct-2026Job ID138795City / Township / VillageYorktown Heights, ChicagoState / ProvinceIllinois, New YorkCountryUnited StatesWork arrangementOnsiteArea of workResearchEmployment typeRegularContract typeRegularProjected Minimum Salary per year160,000.00Projected Maximum Salary per year216,000.00Position typeEntry LevelTravel requiredUp to 20% or 1 day a weekCompany(0147) International Business Machines CorporationShiftGeneral (daytime)Is this role a commissionable/sales incentive based position?No