Lead Research Scientist - Quantum Computing

Job Description

Job Title: Lead Research Scientist - Quantum Computing. Location: Foster City, California, USA

Job Type: Full-Time (On-site)

Visa Research is seeking a Lead Research Scientist in Quantum Computing to help define and execute the company's long-term research strategy in quantum information science and quantum computing. The successful candidate will lead research initiatives focused on applying quantum computing technologies to financial services and payments, including portfolio optimization, risk analysis, derivative pricing, and other finance-related applications.

This role offers the opportunity to influence Visa's strategic vision while collaborating with researchers, product teams, academic institutions, and industry partners worldwide.

Responsibilities:

• Define and drive Visa's research and development agenda in quantum information and quantum computing, with a focus on finance and payment technologies.
• Design, develop, and evaluate novel quantum algorithms and computational models.
• Advance the state of the art in quantum computing through innovative research initiatives.
• Identify emerging opportunities where quantum computing can create business value.

Technical Contributions

• Develop quantum algorithms for financial applications including:
  • Portfolio optimization
  • Risk analysis
  • Derivative pricing
  • Other financial modeling challenges
• Explore practical applications of quantum computing across multiple business domains.
• Evaluate and validate quantum computing solutions using available quantum hardware and software platforms.
• Stay current with emerging research, technologies, and breakthroughs in quantum computing.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Provide mentorship, coaching, and technical guidance to research scientists and team members.
• Lead and contribute to large-scale research programs and collaborations.
• Build strong relationships with academic researchers, industry experts, and members of the quantum computing community.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product, engineering, and business stakeholders.

Communication and Strategic Impact

• Publish research findings in leading conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
• Present technical findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Influence product, technology, and project roadmaps through research insights.
• Assist business partners in understanding and applying research outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience.

Preferred:

• 6+ years of relevant experience.
• 5+ years of postdoctoral research experience in quantum computing or related fields.
• Internationally recognized research record demonstrated through:
  • High-impact publications
  • Patents
  • Significant contributions to the research community
• Proven experience leading large-scale, multi-institution research programs.
• Deep expertise in quantum computing applications for finance and related industries.
• Strong experience with quantum programming frameworks such as:
  • Qiskit
  • Cirq
  • Similar quantum software platforms
• Hands-on experience deploying and validating algorithms on quantum hardware.
• Demonstrated success mentoring and developing researchers at various career levels.
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

Compensation:

Base Salary

• Minimum: $215,300 USD
• Maximum: $280,000 USD

Actual compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and location.