Lead GRC Analyst

Introduction

At IBM Research, we are the innovation engine of IBM. Exploring what’s next in computing and shaping the technologies the world will rely on tomorrow. From advancing AI and hybrid cloud to pioneering practical quantum computing, we anticipate challenges and unlock new opportunities for clients, partners, and society. Working in Research means joining a team that accelerates discovery at the intersection of high-performance computing, AI, quantum, and cloud. You’ll collaborate with leading scientists, engineers, and visionaries to push boundaries and turn ideas into reality. With a culture built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, IBM Research offers the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to breakthroughs that transform industries and change the world.

Your role and responsibilities

We are seeking an experienced Lead GRC Strategist responsible for leading and maintaining the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) efforts within the IBM Quantum program.

In this role, you will partner with technical, operational, legal, privacy, and business teams to ensure effective controls are designed, implemented, tested, and continuously improved to support customer trust, regulatory obligations, and business objectives.

This role is instrumental in building and maintaining customer trust by ensuring compliance requirements are embedded into how the organization operates. The Lead GRC Strategist helps translate regulatory and audit requirements into practical business controls, enabling the organization to scale securely while proactively managing risk and maintaining a strong compliance posture.

Required technical and professional expertise

• 7+ years of experience in Governance, Risk, Compliance (GRC), Information Security, IT Audit, or Compliance Management.

• Demonstrable experience leading SOC 2 Type I and Type II audits including readiness assessments, control monitoring, evidence collection, and remediation tracking.

• Experience working directly with auditors, executive leadership, and cross-functional technical teams.

• Professional certifications such as CISA, CRISC, CISSP, CISM, ISO 27001 Lead Implementer/Auditor, or equivalent.

• Support additional compliance initiatives as needed, including FedRAMP, ITAR, ISO 27001, NIST CSF 2.0, PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, AI governance, and other relevant frameworks.

Preferred technical and professional experience

• Experience or familiarity with the security and compliance needs of quantum computing environments, especially given the sensitivity and complexity of quantum software and infrastructure.

Experience developing automation solutions using scripting or programming languages.

Experience working in highly regulated, research-focused, or advanced technology environments.

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.