About the role#
As a research intern with the Theory of Quantum Algorithms team, you will work alongside theorists to discover and develop new quantum algorithms for scientifically and practically meaningful problems. You will focus on algorithms designed for fault-tolerant quantum computers. Your project will be shaped in collaboration with your mentor and may draw on areas such as quantum algorithm design, computational complexity theory, quantum simulation, algorithms for differential equations, and quantum approaches to learning and testing.
What you'll do#
- Investigate a well-defined research question in quantum algorithms.
- Develop new quantum algorithms for scientifically and practically meaningful problems.
- Characterize potential quantum speed-ups by comparing candidate algorithms against state-of-the-art classical methods.
- Consider how algorithmic ideas connect to implementations suited to fault-tolerant quantum architectures.
- Collaborate with mentors and colleagues across compilation and error correction.
- Document and present findings.
- Work toward results suitable for a peer-reviewed publication or conference submission.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment in an academic graduate program (Ph.D. or research-focused Master's) in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Focus on quantum computing, quantum information theory, or theoretical computer science.
- Coursework or research projects in quantum algorithms, quantum information theory, computational complexity, and linear algebra.
- Demonstrated experience performing independent theoretical research.
- Experience with at least one general-purpose programming language, such as Python.
- Programming experience in core and scientific Python libraries (e.g. NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib) and Qiskit.
- Publications or preprints in quantum algorithms, quantum complexity theory, or related areas.
- Familiarity with Git and/or GitHub.
- Familiarity with AI tooling for research.
- Prior exposure to fault-tolerant quantum computing concepts, quantum error correction, or quantum compilation.
Location & details#
- Term: Summer 2027
- Modality: On-site
- Employment: Full-time internship, paid
About IBM
IBM provides IT services and consulting to a global client base. The company develops technology solutions across areas such as cloud computing, security, analytics, and infrastructure. It operates as a public organization with more than 10,001 employees. The corporate headquarters are located in Armonk, New York.
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