Staff Research Scientist - Superconducting Device Theory at IBM, Yorktown Heights

IBM Research has spent over a decade mapping the path from experimental superconducting qubits to fault-tolerant quantum computers. The next leap demands not just more qubits, but deeper theoretical understanding of how these devices behave as systems scale. That is where the Superconducting Device Theory - Staff Research Scientist role comes in.

Based at IBM's Yorktown Heights, NY research facility, this full-time position sits at the intersection of abstract quantum modeling and hands-on experimental collaboration. Posted on September 30, 2026, it carries a verified annual salary of USD 198.000-268.000 , reflecting the senior-level expertise the role demands. The application window closes on November 30, 2026 .

What the Role Involves

IBM Research serves as the innovation engine of the company - advancing AI, hybrid cloud, and quantum computing in parallel. As a Staff Research Scientist in Superconducting Qubit Theory, you will build the theoretical models and simulations that directly shape IBM Quantum processor design and operations.

Your core responsibilities span several advanced domains:

• Apply techniques such as black-box quantization, network synthesis, and matrix product states to model novel superconducting qubit devices.
• Identify and characterize emerging error mechanisms that threaten processor fidelity.
• Simulate increasingly large and complex multi-qubit systems to uncover the physical processes currently limiting device performance.
• Work hand-in-hand with experimental teams, connecting theoretical predictions with laboratory measurements to refine qubit designs and guide next-generation hardware.

Qualifications

Required Expertise

• PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in superconducting qubit theory.

Preferred Background

• Postdoctoral training or equivalent professional research experience.
• Familiarity with numerical methods for large Hilbert space simulations.

Application Tips for Aspiring Candidates

This is a specialized research role, so a targeted application strategy matters. Consider the following:

• Showcase your numerical toolkit: Be ready to discuss specific frameworks you have used for large-scale simulations - QuTiP, ITensor, or custom high-performance code in Python and C++. Parallel computing experience is a strong plus.
• Demonstrate the theory-experiment bridge: IBM values scientists who can interpret experimental data through a theoretical lens. Include publications or projects where your models were validated against real measurements from a quantum lab.
• Highlight domain fluency: Explicitly mention work involving black-box quantization, network synthesis, or matrix product states. These are core methods the team relies on, not just buzzwords.
• Leverage the quantum community: Engage with platforms like the Qiskit Slack, arXiv preprints in quantum physics, and specialized sessions at conferences such as the APS March Meeting. Visibility in these spaces often signals genuine immersion in the field.

If you are ready to shape the future of quantum hardware at one of the world's premier research institutions, this role offers both the resources and the collaborative environment to make a lasting impact.