Lead Research Scientist- Quantum Computing

Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 259 billion payments transactions flowing safely between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive while driven by a common purpose – to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

Make an impact with a purpose-driven industry leader. Join us today and experience Life at Visa.

Visa Research conducts Applied and Fundamental Research and was created to lead the company in pushing the boundaries of payment related technologies on a global scale. We engage with the company's numerous technology and product teams, world-wide business partners, academics, and governments, to explore and develop technologies that will shape the future of the payments industry and impact the lives of billions of people.    

Our Lead Researcher will work alongside a dynamic team to shape and advance Visa’s long-term research agenda in quantum information and computation, driving the development of innovative technologies and insights that align with Visa's strategic products and businesses. The ideal candidate will guide the application of quantum information and computation in the finance and payments sector, overseeing the development and implementation of quantum algorithms for financial applications such as portfolio optimization, risk analysis, and derivative pricing. This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to influence Visa's strategic vision as a world-leading company. The successful candidate should have an outstanding academic and research track record, evidenced by influential publications and robust academic credentials. As a leader, the candidate must demonstrate initiative, effectively navigate ambiguity, exhibit exceptional attention to detail, and foster a collaborative environment.   

Essential Functions: 

• Propose an aggressive agenda for research and development in the field of quantum information and computation especially in applications to finance and payments.  
• Design and test novel algorithms and models to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.  
• Create strong working relationships with other members of the quantum information and computation research community.  
• Deep expertise in quantum information, quantum algorithms, and their applications to finance and payments.
• Demonstrated success in leading ambitious, original research programs and delivering high-impact results.
• Visionary, strategic thinker able to set and drive a bold research agenda.
• Understand and influence product, project, and technology roadmaps.  
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and coaching to research team.  
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to explore applications of quantum computing in various domains.  

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your hiring manager.

Basic Qualification:

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering or a related field with at least 3 years of work experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 years of relevant experience and Ph.D degree Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Solid theoretical understanding of quantum mechanics, quantum computation and information.
• Experience proposing novel quantum algorithms (especially for optimization, machine learning, and simulation).
• Experience with quantum programming platforms (e.g., Qiskit, Cirq).
• Software engineering skills, including coding, debugging, and version control (e.g., Git).
• Experience deploying and testing algorithms on quantum hardware.
• Nice to have: experience in financial applications of quantum computing (e.g., risk analysis, derivative pricing.
• Nice to have: familiarity with classical finance models or financial engineering.

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements: This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physical Requirements: This position will be performed in an office setting.  The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Visa is an EEO Employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.  Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.

Visa will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY: The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is $194,600.00 to $282,150.00 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity. Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.