Senior Researcher/ Principal Researcher

Fujitsu; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full health benefits

401K

Relocation support

Visa sponsorship

Job summary

Fujitsu is looking for a Quantum Applications Researcher to join their team in Santa Clara, California. The successful candidate will focus on advancing quantum optimization, quantum AI/ML, and algorithmic primitives, contributing to Fujitsu's hybrid quantum computing platform and publishing innovative research.

Ideal candidates will have a PhD with at least 4 years of relevant experience, a strong publication record, and proficiency in quantum algorithms. The salary range for this position is $160,000 to $250,000 USD, and Fujitsu offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a relevant field, with 4+ years of research experience post-PhD.
• Strong research track record is essential with peer-reviewed publications.
• Deep understanding of quantum algorithms and hybrid quantum-classical methods required.

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives in quantum research and algorithm design.
• Collaborate on developing Fujitsu’s quantum computing platform.
• Mentor junior researchers and publish high-quality papers.

Skills

Quantum algorithms

Quantum optimization

Quantum machine learning

Research writing

Advanced mathematics

Education

PhD in Physics, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Python

Qiskit

TensorFlow

Job description

Job Location: Santa Clara, California

Role: Quantum Applications Researcher – Fujitsu Research of America, Inc. (FRA)

We are seeking a highly accomplished researcher to advance our research and product strategy across quantum optimization, quantum AI/ML, quantum simulation, and quantum algorithmic primitives. The successful candidate will contribute to Fujitsu’s hybrid quantum computing platform, generate high‑impact intellectual property, publish in leading venues, represent the company at conferences and industry events, and build collaborations with academic, government, and commercial partners across the US and Europe. This role also involves working closely with clients to identify valuable quantum use cases and develop credible technical roadmaps from research prototypes to deployable solutions.

Research

• Lead advanced research initiatives in quantum compilation, quantum optimization, quantum simulation, quantum chemistry, quantum algorithm design, quantum algorithmic primitives, or hybrid quantum‑classical methods.
• Develop novel algorithms and proof‑of‑concept techniques that demonstrate the value of quantum approaches for real‑world problems.
• Identify promising near‑term and long‑term quantum applications, including NISQ‑era approaches and fault‑tolerant algorithmic opportunities.
• Design and evaluate hybrid quantum‑classical algorithms using simulators, quantum hardware backends, and classical high‑performance computing resources.
• Publish high‑quality research papers in leading quantum computing, physics, computer science, optimization, AI/ML, and application‑domain venues. Generate patentable ideas to contribute to Fujitsu’s IP portfolio.
• Represent Fujitsu at conference and industry events. Deliver technical presentations for both experts and executive audiences.
• Mentor junior researchers and interns.

Platform And Product Contribution

• Contribute to the development of Fujitsu’s hybrid quantum computing platform, including algorithmic libraries, application modules, noise‑aware compilation techniques, and user‑facing research capabilities.
• Collaborate with the platform team to convert research prototypes into robust, scalable, and reusable platform components.
• Develop reproducible code, documentation, test cases, and technical examples that support internal teams, customers, and partners.

Collaboration

• Build and maintain research collaborations with universities, national labs, technology partners, and quantum ecosystem organizations across the US and Europe.
• Identify opportunities for joint research programs, sponsored research, grant proposals and partnerships.
• Liaise with the global Fujitsu team to engage enterprise and government clients on quantum use cases.

Essential Requirements

• PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related quantum‑relevant field.
• Minimum of 4+ years of research experience after PhD in quantum computing, quantum algorithms, quantum information, quantum simulation, quantum optimization, quantum machine learning, or a closely related area.
• Strong research track record demonstrated through peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations, patents, open‑source contributions, or recognized technical leadership.
• Deep understanding of quantum algorithms, hybrid quantum‑classical methods, and the practical limitations of current quantum hardware.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following areas:
  • Quantum optimization, including QAOA, variational optimization, quantum annealing, Ising/QUBO formulations, or combinatorial optimization.
  • Quantum AI/ML, including quantum kernels, variational quantum classifiers, quantum neural networks, generative models, quantum‑enhanced learning methods, or AI/ML for quantum systems.
  • Quantum simulation, including Hamiltonian simulation, VQE, quantum chemistry, condensed matter systems, or materials simulation.
  • Quantum algorithmic primitives, including amplitude estimation, phase estimation, QSVT, block encoding, quantum walks, or fault‑tolerant algorithm design.
• Ability to develop original research ideas and translate them into prototypes, publications, patents, and product‑relevant capabilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Experience collaborating across disciplines and working with researchers, partners, and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong coding background in Python and experience developing research‑grade or production‑quality scientific software.
• Hands‑on experience with quantum software frameworks such as Qiskit, PennyLane, Cirq, Tket, or related tools.
• Experience with AI/ML frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, scikit‑learn, or related libraries.
• Knowledge of at least one application domain, such as finance, energy, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, quantum chemistry, or materials science.
• Familiarity with NISQ‑era hardware constraints, error mitigation, noise modelling, quantum resource estimation, or fault‑tolerant resource analysis.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $160,000 to $250,000 USD. The role may also be eligible for a short‑term incentive based on company results and individual performance. Fujitsu offers a full range of health benefits, 401K, and other benefits. Relocation supported: Yes. Visa sponsorship approved: Yes.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Fujitsu, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We are an equal‑opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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