Quantum System Performance Scientist

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

The successful candidate will join a team of scientists and engineers in a highly collaborative effort to optimize the performance of IBM Quantum systems for large‑scale quantum experiments. The role involves identifying performance gaps through the design and analysis of quantum measurements, and developing or enhancing calibration sequences for superconducting (SC) quantum processors. This position requires close collaboration with cross‑functional teams, including analog and digital signal engineers, experimental and theoretical physicists, and software developers, in a fast‑paced environment.

Strong communication skills, technical rigor, and a high sense of ownership are essential.

Required education

Master's Degree

Preferred education

Doctorate Degree

Required technical and professional expertise

• Strong track record in quantum measurement techniques, with working knowledge in characterizing:
  • Coherence times, spectral frequencies, coupling strengths
  • Coherent vs. incoherent errors and processes
  • Using Error‑amplification or related techniques
• Excellent coding skills in Python, including for data analysis.
• Experience with RF/microwave characterization or design, such as:
  • device‑level, PCB‑level, or wiring‑level design and/or measurement.

Preferred technical and professional experience

• Experimental research experience with superconducting qubits, especially in measurement and/or characterization.
• Experience using agentic AI coding tools.
• Cryogenic RF/microwave design and characterization experience.
• Experience optimizing quantum device performance and calibration.
• Experience with dynamic decoupling sequences.
• Experience automating measurements through software.
• Experience working with theorists.
• Experience with simulation of:
  • Hamiltonian dynamics and/or
  • Open‑quantum‑system dynamics.
• Experience analyzing or simulating analog electrical‑circuit response.
• Experience with quantum circuits (e.g., Qiskit).

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.

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…