Research Scientist for Quantum-Centric Supercomputing

IBM
IBM

Tokyo, Japan

Posted on May 29, 2026
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Introduction

We are seeking a passionate and technically skilled Research Scientist to join our Quantum-Centric Supercomputing (QCSC) team. This role focuses on advancing the integration of quantum computing with high-performance computing (HPC) and AI, enabling scalable workflows and algorithms that accelerate quantum advantage. You will work at the intersection of quantum algorithms, HPC software development, and hybrid architectures, collaborating with world-class researchers and engineers to shape the future of quantum-HPC convergence.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop production-grade software tools for QCSC, including workflow orchestration, HPC libraries (MPI, OpenMP, GPU), and job scheduler integration (Slurm, PBS).

  • Collaborate with external researchers to drive demonstrations using developed tools, showcasing their impact on quantum-centric supercomputing workflows.

  • Implement robust, maintainable software solutions that meet enterprise standards for reliability and scalability, while actively contributing to open-source projects.

  • Publish research findings in top-tier journals and conferences, and share results through open-source frameworks.

  • Engage with external partners, national labs, and academic collaborators to promote innovation and adoption of QCSC technologies.

Your role and responsibilities

At IBM Quantum, our mission is to bring useful quantum computing to the world. IBM brings the most performant quantum computers and enables the quantum community to develop early quantum computing use cases with the Qiskit software stack. Today, our IBM Quantum Network comprises 275+ Fortune 500 companies, academic institutions, national laboratories, and startups, all striving toward the common goal of extracting value from quantum computers. IBM is driving this technology forward along an ambitious roadmap aimed at demonstrating quantum advantage by end of 2026, delivering the first fault-tolerant quantum computing by 2029. We hope you'll join us on this mission.

Required education
None
Preferred education
Master's Degree
Required technical and professional expertise

  • Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Quantum Computing, High-Performance Computing (HPC), Computer Science, Physics, or a related field.

  • Strong expertise in HPC systems, including parallel programming (MPI, OpenMP, GPU programming), and proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, and Rust.

  • Expertise in quantum algorithm development, including variational methods and circuit optimization, along with hands-on experience using Qiskit and workflow orchestration tools.

  • 4+ years of hands-on experience in quantum computing (executing near-term algorithms on quantum hardware) or HPC (running applications on advanced supercomputing environments), or both.

  • Proven ability to work on large-scale software projects, with a track record of delivering performant and robust production-grade software.

  • Excellent communication skills for presenting technical concepts to diverse audiences in both Japanese and English.

Preferred technical and professional experience

  • Experience contributing to or leading open-source projects in quantum computing or HPC.

  • Familiarity with workflow orchestration frameworks (e.g., Prefect, Airflow) and their integration with HPC environments.

  • Hands-on experience with GPU acceleration and performance tuning for large-scale HPC systems.

  • Deep understanding of compiler toolchains, specifically LLVM/MLIR.

  • Proven ability to collaborate with external research partners, including national laboratories and academic institutions.

  • A strong publication record in top-tier journals or conferences in quantum computing, HPC, or related fields.

  • Ability to design scalable architectures for hybrid quantum-classical applications.

  • Demonstrated leadership in community engagement, including organizing workshops, tutorials, and technical outreach activities.

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

For additional information about location requirements, please discuss with the recruiter following submission of your application.

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