Staff Quantum Algorithm Theorist

IBM

Cambridge (MA)

On-site

USD 190,000 - 290,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

IBM Research in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Staff Quantum Algorithm Theorist to pursue fundamental research in quantum algorithms for practical applications. You will lead projects, rigorously analyze speedups, and collaborate with teams across compiler, error-correction, and hardware research to optimize algorithms for early fault-tolerant quantum architectures.

The role emphasizes publishing results, contributing to the scientific community, and shaping the intellectual direction of quantum

Qualifications

Demonstrated research experience in designing and analyzing quantum algorithms.
Independent theoretical research with original contributions.
Strong foundation in quantum information theory, computational complexity, and linear algebra.

Responsibilities

Lead projects on novel quantum algorithms for fault-tolerant quantum computers.
Characterize quantum speed-ups vs state-of-the-art classical methods.
Collaborate with compiler, error-correction, and hardware teams to refine algorithms.
Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
Engage with academic collaborators to shape the direction of quantum algorithms research.

Skills

Quantum algorithms

Computational complexity

Linear algebra

Programming language

Education

Doctorate 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.

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.

Your role and responsibilities

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.

Required education

Doctorate Degree

Preferred education

Doctorate Degree

Required technical and professional expertise

- 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.

Preferred technical and professional experience

- 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.

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

IBM 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 & experiences

We 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.

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