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Introduction

For nearly seven decades, the IBM Research Zurich Lab has been at the forefront of numerous scientific and technological breakthroughs, some of which have been recognized with awards as prestigious as the Nobel Prize. Building on this distinguished legacy, the Zurich Lab brings together researchers, engineers, and innovators to tackle complex challenges in computing, security, AI, quantum technology, and data systems.

Established in 1956 as IBM Research’s first hub outside of the United States, the Zurich Lab plays a central role in shaping the future of computing. This mission is further enabled by the lab’s long-running ties with academia, industry, and the broader scientific community, which have made IBM Research Zurich an important part of the Swiss and European tech landscapes.

Today, the lab is home to a uniquely interdisciplinary community that represents over 45 nationalities and spans fields from computer science and engineering to physics and mathematics. Researchers work side by side in state-of-the-art laboratories where scientific discovery delivers real-world impact and breakthrough ideas materialize into deeply influential technologies.

According to IBM Research Zurich Lab Director Alessandro Curioni, the next era of computing will be defined not by hardware or software alone, but by the algorithms that connect the two. Through a renewed collaboration with ETH Zurich, IBM Research is now shaping the foundations of a future where artificial intelligence, quantum computing and advanced algorithms converge, enabling us to tackle problems in unprecedented ways.

Your role and responsibilities

We are offering a research internship at IBM Research Europe - Zurich, focused on exploring novel quantum algorithms for optimization. This internship is part of an exciting initiative aimed at advancing the frontiers of science and engineering, with the goal of achieving quantum advantage for practically relevant problems in optimization.

Quantum computing has the potential to transform how we approach some of the most challenging computational problems. Our Applied Quantum Optimization Research group develops algorithms that combine quantum computing, classical computing, and AI to transform application domains such as optimization.

As an intern on our team, you will contribute to the design and analysis of quantum optimization algorithms – both theoretically and empirically – test them on IBM Quantum hardware, explore the integration of quantum computing with AI and classical computing / HPC, and help chart the course toward quantum advantage for real-world problems.

While the internship is primarily planned for the summer, we offer flexibility regarding the exact start date and duration. Please indicate your preferred research topic and ideal timing so we can tailor the internship to your background and interests.

Why Join Us?

You will join a world-class research environment and collaborate closely with experienced researchers at IBM Research and have access to state-of-the-art quantum hardware and software platforms, as well as high-performance classical computing resources. Our environment encourages innovation, and we actively support interns in filing patents and publishing in top conferences and journals.

Required education

Master's Degree

Required technical and professional expertise

• Master's degree in physics, computer science, mathematics, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience) preferred

• Demonstrated research experience through publications, thesis projects, independent research, or open-source contributions is a plus.

• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, C/C++, Rust)

• Experience with quantum programming frameworks (e.g., Qiskit)

• Background in one or more of the following domains: quantum information theory, quantum algorithms, (combinatorial) optimization, machine learning/AI, or computational physics

• Excellent communication skills in English

• Team-oriented, self-motivated, and able to work independently

Preferred technical and professional experience

n/a

ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT

IBM Research is the organic growth engine of IBM and an innovation engine for our customers and partners. As part of this mission, IBM Research anticipates and examines 'What's Next in Computing' to ultimately create and integrate the technologies the world relies upon to solve big challenges and unlock new opportunities. We create and pioneer new markets for IBM, our partners and customers as exemplified in our ongoing quest to reach practical and large-scale quantum computing. Across IBM Research, we realize the power and potential to accelerate discovery with our partners and clients by combining the power of high performance computing, AI, and Quantum, all integrated through the hybrid cloud.

YOUR LIFE @ IBM

In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.

Being an IBMer means you’ll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you’ll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background.

Our IBMers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide on-going feedback to help other IBMers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our IBMers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to IBM becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can-do attitude and always striving for an outcome focused approach within everything that they do.

Are you ready to be an IBMer?

ABOUT IBM

IBM’s greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.

Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we’re also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 500 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business. 

At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it’s time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.

IBM is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS

For additional information about location requirements, please discuss with the recruiter following submission of your application.

Job Title

Internship Opportunity: Applied Quantum Optimization Research

Job ID

137372

City / Township / Village

Rueschlikon

State / Province

Zurich

Country

Switzerland

Work arrangement

Hybrid

Area of work

Research

Employment type

Intern (Fixed Term)

Position type

Internship

Travel required

No Travel

Company

(1084) IBM Research GmbH

Shift

General (daytime)

Is this role a commissionable/sales incentive based position?

No