Lead Research Scientist, Quantum Computing

Job Description

Visa Research conducts both applied and fundamental research to push the boundaries of technologies relevant to the future of commerce, security, and payments at global scale. We partner with Visa’s technology and product organizations, global business units, academic institutions, industry partners, and government agencies to explore and develop transformative technologies that can shape the future of financial services and impact billions of people worldwide.

Visa is establishing a new Quantum Computing Center of Excellence in Singapore as part of its long-term strategy to build differentiated capabilities in quantum information science and its applications to payments, security, and financial systems. The Singapore center will serve as a key hub for advanced research, technical execution, and ecosystem engagement in one of the world’s leading innovation environments.

As a Lead Research Scientist in Quantum Computing, you will play a critical role in advancing Visa’s research agenda through strong technical execution, operational leadership, and cross-functional collaboration. This is a hands-on, senior research role focused on driving complex research programs, translating strategy into execution, and helping build the operating foundation of the Singapore Quantum CoE. This position is best suited for a technically deep, execution-oriented leader who can drive research programs forward, coordinate across stakeholders, and ensure high-quality delivery.

Your work will focus on developing and evaluating quantum algorithms, quantum protocols, computational methods, and prototypes relevant to financial services and adjacent domains, including optimization, machine learning, cryptography, risk analysis, and related areas. You will work closely with research leadership and cross-functional partners to operationalize research priorities, build productive collaborations, and help establish the Singapore center as an effective and high-performing research hub.

This is a unique opportunity to help build a new strategic research presence from the ground up while contributing directly to Visa’s global quantum computing agenda.

Responsibilities:

• Drive execution of Visa’s quantum computing research agenda in Singapore, translating strategic priorities into well-scoped, high-impact research programs and deliverables.
• Design, analyze, implement, and evaluate novel quantum algorithms, quantum protocols, computational methods, and research prototypes relevant to financial services, payments, and security.
• Contribute to the build-out of Visa’s Quantum Computing Center of Excellence in Singapore, including research operations, project planning, external engagement, and coordination across teams.
• Lead complex research projects end-to-end, including technical planning, execution tracking, synthesis of findings, and communication of results.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders across research, technology, product, and business teams to ensure research efforts remain relevant, rigorous, and aligned with Visa’s strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with external partners, including universities, research institutes, industry collaborators, and government stakeholders in Singapore and internationally.
• Publish research findings in top-tier journals and conferences, and represent Visa through presentations, workshops, and scientific forums.
• Help evaluate emerging developments in quantum computing, identifying technical opportunities and assessing their relevance to Visa’s long-term roadmap.
• Support the development of research processes, collaboration models, and operating mechanisms that will enable the Singapore center to scale effectively.
• Provide technical guidance and thought partnership to colleagues, while contributing as a senior individual contributor rather than a formal people manager

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in the office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager. 

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• 10+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or at least 7 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 4 years of work experience with a PhD, OR 13+ years of relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Strong research track record, evidenced by high-quality publications, patents, and recognized contributions to the quantum research community.
• 6+ years of relevant postdoctoral and/or industrial research experience in quantum computing, quantum information, or a closely related area.
• Deep expertise in one or more of the following areas: quantum algorithms, quantum optimization, quantum machine learning, quantum cryptography, quantum error correction, quantum systems or architectures. quantum information theory
• Experience designing quantum computing approaches for finance, payments, security, or other complex enterprise domains.
• Hands-on experience implementing, simulating, and evaluating algorithms, including experience with quantum hardware where applicable.
• Demonstrated ability to drive research programs with strong operational discipline, including project planning, coordination, and cross-functional execution.
• Experience working across institutional boundaries, including collaborations with academia, industry, or government research organizations.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain technical work clearly to both technical and business stakeholders.
• Ability to operate effectively in an evolving environment and contribute to building a new research capability from the ground up.
• Experience with multi-institution or cross-functional research program management is strongly preferred.

Additional Information

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.