Computer Research Scientist Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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
IBM Research is seeking a research scientist to advance novel quantum algorithms across quantum simulation and machine learning. The role focuses on developing quantum algorithms for simulating physical systems, quantum models for classical and quantum data, hybrid quantum-classical learning workflows, and theory and benchmarking of quantum vs classical learning models.

• Develop novel quantum algorithms that combine quantum and classical resources for simulation of physical systems, including ground states, thermal states, time evolution, and open-system models.
• Demonstrate quantum algorithms on real-world applications in physics, chemistry, and materials science.
• Improve upon and develop novel quantum machine learning methods that combine quantum and classical resources for learning tasks on classical and quantum data.
• Develop hybrid workflows that combine measurement data from quantum experiments with classical ML to predict properties of quantum systems.
• Develop learning theory results for QML, including generalization and complexity bounds, and identify settings showing separation between quantum and classical approaches.
• Expand the quantum ecosystem and connect to ML and quantum communities through working groups and collaborations.

Required education
Doctorate Degree
Preferred education
Doctorate Degree
Required technical and professional expertise

• Experience in academic graduate program related to applicable fields (e.g., quantum computing, quantum algorithms, machine learning, computer science, statistics, information theory).
• Experience developing and/or analyzing quantum algorithms for simulation (ground states, thermal states, dynamics, or related).
• Experience with quantum machine learning and/or hybrid quantum-classical learning workflows.
• Experience implementing research code, ML frameworks, and Qiskit.
• Experience running demonstrations on quantum processors.

Preferred technical and professional experience

• Strong publication record in high-impact journals or top conference proceedings.
• Programming experience in core & scientific language (e.g. python, numpy, scipy, matplotlib) and Qiskit.
• Experience with tensor-network methods for many-body systems (e.g., MPS/MPO), including DMRG, and with iterative ground-state solvers for extremal eigenpairs (e.g., Lanczos, Davidson).
• Familiarity with Git and/or Github.
• Successful record of collaborative work.
• Experience leading research projects in industry or academically.

ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT
IBM Research is the organic growth engine of IBM and an innovation engine for our customers and partners. As part of this mission, IBM Research anticipates and examines 'What's Next in Computing' to ultimately create and integrate the technologies the world relies upon to solve big challenges and unlock new opportunities. We create and pioneer new markets for IBM, our partners and customers as exemplified in our ongoing quest to reach practical and large-scale quantum computing. Across IBM Research, we realize the power and potential to accelerate discovery with our partners and clients by combining the power of high performance computing, AI, and Quantum, all integrated through the hybrid cloud.
YOUR LIFE @ IBM
In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.
Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you'll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background.
Our IBMers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide on-going feedback to help other IBMers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our IBMers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to IBM becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can-do attitude and always striving for an outcome focused approach within everything that they do.
Are you ready to be an IBMer?
ABOUT IBM
IBM's greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.
Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we're also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 500 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business.
At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it's time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.
IBM 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, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.
OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS
IBM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program. Eligible employees may have access to:
- Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well being
- Financial programs such as 401(k), cash balance pension plan, the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long- term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance based salary incentive programs
- Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs. IBM also offers paid family leave benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law
- Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI-driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry-recognized certifications to achieve their career goals
- Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiences
We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.
This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 21 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role.
The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.