Quantum Demonstration Experimentalist

Introduction

At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.

Your role and responsibilities

As an Experimental Research Scientist with IBM Quantum, you will provide scientific and technical leadership in advancing the frontier of quantum computing, pushing the limits of today’s most sophisticated quantum hardware. You will conceive, lead, and drive first-of-a-kind experimental demonstrations, identifying new opportunities to extend the capabilities and performance of IBM’s quantum processors and shaping research directions across hardware, software, and algorithms.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, develop, and lead novel quantum hardware demonstrations, identifying high-impact experimental opportunities and showcasing new capabilities that expand the reach of IBM’s quantum systems.

• Lead cross-functional research efforts with theorists, experimental physicists, and software engineers to formulate, design, and execute groundbreaking, advantage-scale experiments.

• Drive the application and development of advanced quantum computing technologies such as error mitigation, dynamic circuits, high-performance computing integrations, and quantum error correction.

• Apply deep expertise in quantum computing and device physics to identify performance-limiting mechanisms, develop paths to improvement, and influence the design of next-generation quantum hardware.

• Shape technical direction across the full quantum computing technology stack, identifying opportunities and driving advances that make quantum computing more usable, robust, and scalable.

• Provide technical leadership within a multidisciplinary research environment, communicating research direction and results to technical and executive audiences, mentoring other researchers, and building alignment across teams.

Required technical and professional expertise

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in experimental quantum, simulation, or control, including postdoctoral or professional research experience.

• Demonstrated record of independent research and technical accomplishment, including the ability to identify important research problems, develop experimental approaches, and drive projects to meaningful results.

• Deep experimental expertise with quantum computing systems, including experience designing, executing, and interpreting experiments on quantum hardware.

• Strong programming proficiency, preferably in Python, and experience developing research-quality scientific software.

• Demonstrated ability to lead technical collaborations across multiple disciplines, such as experimental physics, theory, software, and hardware engineering.

Preferred technical and professional experience

• Deep understanding of superconducting qubit device physics or comparable quantum hardware architectures, including the relationship between device behavior and system-level performance.

• Significant experience with advanced experimental techniques such as quantum control, error suppression, error mitigation, dynamic circuits, or quantum error correction.

• Strong record of impactful research contributions, demonstrated through publications, technical leadership, or significant experimental results.

• Experience defining and leading complex experimental research projects involving multiple technical disciplines.

• Proficiency with Git/GitHub and collaborative software-development practices.

• Experience with Qiskit or similar quantum software development frameworks.

IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and 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, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.