Sr. Director/Principal Research Scientist, Quantum Computing, Singapore

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 work at the intersection of advanced science, technology innovation, and business impact, partnering with Visa’s technology and product organizations, global business units, academic institutions, industry partners, and government agencies to develop transformative capabilities for the future.

Visa is establishing a new Quantum Computing Center of Excellence in Singapore as part of its long‑term commitment to building leading capabilities in quantum information science and its applications to payments, security, and financial systems. This center will serve as a strategic hub for advanced research, talent development, and ecosystem engagement in one of the world’s most dynamic innovation environments.

As a Sr. Director/Principal Research Scientist in Quantum Computing, you will play a foundational leadership role in shaping this new Center of Excellence. You will help define and execute Visa’s research agenda in quantum information and computation from Singapore, lead high‑impact scientific programs, and contribute to building a world‑class research team. This role combines scientific leadership, organizational influence, and ecosystem building.

Your work will focus on advancing quantum algorithms, computational methods, and enabling technologies relevant to financial services and adjacent domains, including areas such as optimization, machine learning, cryptography, risk analysis, and next‑generation computational models. In addition to leading research, you will help establish and shape the Singapore center as a credible and visible node in the global quantum ecosystem through external collaborations with universities, research institutes, industry partners, and government stakeholders.

This is a unique opportunity to help build a strategic research presence from the ground up while contributing to Visa’s global quantum agenda. The ideal candidate is an internationally respected researcher with deep technical expertise, strong leadership skills, a demonstrated ability to drive complex research programs, and a passion for building high‑performing teams and partnerships.

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

Responsibilities

• Help build and shape Visa’s Quantum Computing Center of Excellence in Singapore, including its research direction, scientific identity, and external visibility.
• Lead the formulation and execution of a forward‑looking research agenda in quantum information and computation, with emphasis on applications relevant to financial services, payments, and security.
• Design, analyze, and prototype novel quantum algorithms, computational models, and proof‑of‑concept systems that advance the state of the art.
• Drive high‑impact research programs from concept through execution, ensuring rigor, originality, and alignment with Visa’s long‑term strategy.
• Mentor and develop researchers across levels, contributing to the growth of a strong scientific culture within the Singapore team and across Visa Research globally.
• Partner with internal stakeholders across research, technology, product, and business organizations to connect long‑term research with strategic opportunities for Visa.
• Establish and deepen collaborations with leading academic institutions, research centers, industry partners, and government agencies in Singapore and internationally.
• Represent Visa externally through publications, invited talks, conference participation, and engagement with the global quantum research community.
• Assess emerging developments in quantum computing and adjacent fields, translating technical advances into strategic insights for Visa.
• Contribute to talent building and organizational scaling as the Singapore center grows, including helping attract and evaluate top research talent.

Basic Qualifications

12+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or at least 9 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 6 years of work experience with a PhD, OR 15+ years of relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

15 or more years of experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or 12 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, or MD), PhD with 9+ years of experience. PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field. 6+ years of post‑doctoral and/or industrial research experience in quantum computing, quantum information, or a closely related area. Demonstrated record of technical leadership in advanced research environments. 9+ years of post‑PhD research experience, including meaningful leadership experience in industry, academia, or world‑class research laboratories. Established reputation in the international quantum research community, evidenced by influential publications, invited talks, patents, or other recognized contributions. Proven ability to lead complex research initiatives, including cross‑disciplinary or multi‑institution collaborations.

Deep expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• quantum algorithms
• quantum optimization
• quantum machine learning
• quantum cryptography
• quantum error correction
• quantum architecture or systems
• distributed or networked quantum computing
• quantum information theory

Strong interest in, or experience with, applications of quantum computing to finance, payments, security, or enterprise‑scale computational problems. Demonstrated excellence in mentoring, coaching, and developing scientific talent. Ability to operate effectively in an ambiguous, fast‑evolving environment and help build new capabilities from the ground up. Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders. Experience building external partnerships in academia, government, or industry is strongly preferred. 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.

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