Staff Research Scientist

Visa Visa · Fintech · Singapore

Visa Research is establishing a Quantum Computing Center of Excellence in Singapore to conduct research in quantum information science and its applications to finance, payments, and security. The Staff Research Scientist will conduct high-quality research in quantum computing, focusing on areas relevant to financial services, payments, and security, potentially involving quantum algorithms, optimization, machine learning, cryptography, or simulation. The role involves designing, implementing, and evaluating quantum algorithms and prototypes, publishing findings, and collaborating with internal and external partners. This is an opportunity for an early-career researcher to build new capabilities from the ground up.

What you'd actually do

  1. Conduct applied and fundamental research in quantum information and computation, with emphasis on areas relevant to finance, payments, security, and related domains.
  2. Design, implement, and evaluate quantum algorithms, models, and prototypes to advance the state of the art.
  3. Contribute to research projects from idea generation through experimentation, analysis, and synthesis of results.
  4. Collaborate with researchers across Visa Research, as well as with cross-functional partners in technology, product, and business teams where appropriate.
  5. Stay current with advances in quantum computing and adjacent fields, and help assess their relevance to Visa’s research agenda.

Skills

Required

  • 5+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or at least 2 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 0 years of work experience with a PhD, OR 8+ years of relevant work experience.

Nice to have

  • PhD in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Strong foundation in quantum computing, quantum information, or a closely related area.
  • 1-2 years of post Ph.D. or equivalent research experience in academia, industry, or a government research environment.
  • Expertise in one or more of the following areas: quantum algorithms, quantum optimization, quantum machine learning, quantum cryptography, quantum simulation, quantum error correction, quantum information theory or other areas of quantum information science relevant to financial or enterprise applications.
  • Interest in applying quantum computing to problems relevant to finance, payments, security, or related areas.
  • Experience implementing and evaluating algorithms through simulation and, where applicable, on quantum hardware.
  • Solid programming and software development skills, including coding, debugging, and version control.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical work clearly.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.
  • High quality publication record in reputable journals or conferences, commensurate with career stage.

What the JD emphasized

  • High quality publication record in reputable journals or conferences, commensurate with career stage.