Quantum Algorithms Theory Intern 2027

About the Role

• As a research intern with the IBM Theory of Quantum Algorithms team, you will work alongside theorists to discover and develop new quantum algorithms for scientifically and practically meaningful problems, with a 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate a well-defined research question in quantum algorithms, working toward original theoretical contributions suited to fault-tolerant quantum computation.
• Characterize potential quantum speed-ups by comparing candidate algorithms against state-of-the-art classical methods, using tools from computational complexity theory.
• Consider how your algorithmic ideas connect to implementations suited to fault-tolerant quantum architectures, in discussion with colleagues across compilation and error correction.
• Document and present your findings, with the goal of producing results suitable for a peer-reviewed publication or conference submission.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Enrollment in an academic graduate program (Ph.D. or research-focused Master's) in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a closely related field, with a 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, such as coursework projects, a thesis, or prior publications.
• Experience with at least one general-purpose programming language, such as Python.
• Passion for tackling open problems of strategic interest to IBM's roadmap for fault-tolerant quantum computing, including simulation of physical systems, differential equations, and learning and testing.

Qualifications

• Publications or preprints in quantum algorithms, quantum complexity theory, or related areas.
• Programming experience in core and scientific Python libraries (e.g. NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib) and Qiskit.
• 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.