Research Scientist

Job Description

Job Title: Research Scientist. Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Responsibilities:

• Develop novel hybrid quantum-classical algorithms for simulating physical systems, including:
  • Ground states
  • Thermal states
  • Time evolution
  • Open-system models
• Demonstrate quantum algorithms for real-world applications in physics, chemistry, and materials science.
• Design and improve quantum machine learning (QML) algorithms for classical and quantum datasets.
• Develop hybrid workflows that combine quantum measurement data with classical machine learning models.
• Conduct research on learning theory for quantum machine learning, including:
  • Generalization bounds
  • Complexity analysis
  • Performance comparisons between quantum and classical learning methods
• Implement and evaluate research software using modern machine learning frameworks and Qiskit.
• Execute demonstrations on quantum processors;
• Collaborate with researchers across quantum computing, machine learning, and related scientific communities.
• Participate in research collaborations, working groups, and technical discussions.
• Contribute to expanding IBM's quantum computing ecosystem through innovative research.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Quantum Computing, Quantum Algorithms, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Statistics, Information Theory, or a related field.
• Experience developing or analyzing quantum algorithms for quantum simulation.
• Experience with quantum machine learning and hybrid quantum-classical workflows;
• Experience implementing research software using machine learning frameworks and Qiskit.
• Experience running experiments on quantum processors.
• Strong analytical, research, communication, and collaboration skills.

Preferred:

• Strong publication record in leading journals or top-tier conferences.
• Programming experience with:
  • Python
  • NumPy
  • SciPy
  • Matplotlib
  • Qiskit
• Experience with tensor-network methods such as MPS, MPO, and DMRG.
• Experience with iterative ground-state solvers including Lanczos and Davidson algorithms.
• Familiarity with Git and GitHub;
• Demonstrated success leading research projects in academia or industry.
• Proven ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary research teams.

Benefits and Compensation:

Salary

• $150,000 to $188,000 per year.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, vision, and mental health coverage.
• Financial benefits including:
  • 401(k)
  • Cash balance pension plan
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Financial counseling
  • Life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability coverage
  • Performance-based incentive programs
• Paid time off including:
  • 12 company holidays
  • Minimum 56 hours of sick leave
  • 120 hours of vacation
  • Parental bonding leave
  • Paid family leave where applicable
• AI-powered learning platform with training resources and professional certifications.
• Employee resource groups, volunteer opportunities, and employee discounts.

Other Information:

• Work Arrangement: On-site
• Employment Type: Regular, Full-Time
• Travel Required: None
• Area of Work: Research
• Shift: General (Daytime)
• Position focuses on advancing practical quantum computing through research in quantum algorithms, quantum simulation, and quantum machine learning.
• IBM encourages collaboration across quantum computing, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and cloud technologies;
• IBM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, gender, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
• Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered in accordance with applicable laws.