Principal Researcher

Microsoft Quantum has assembled a talented and diverse international team to create the world’s first scalable quantum computing system.  Our full-stack approach involves exciting innovation from the physics at the quantum plane to providing global quantum services.  The Microsoft Quantum program strives to fundamentally change the world of computing to help solve humankind’s currently unsolvable problems. We are on the cusp of an accelerated effort in quantum computing.

We are looking for a Principal Researcher. This position offers an opportunity to have a meaningful influence on a revolutionary technology. The research and development effort includes a diverse staff of theoretical and experimental physicists, hardware designers and software engineers around the world. For more information about the Microsoft Quantum team, please visit  https://quantum.microsoft.com/  

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. 

Required/minimum qualifications:

• Doctorate in relevant field AND 3+ years related research experience 
  • OR equivalent experience
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and teams.
• Ability to approach problems thoughtfully and with attention to detail, considering multiple perspectives and potential solutions.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: 
  • Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

  • Citizenship & Citizenship Verification: This role will require access to information that is controlled for export under export control regulations, potentially under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the EU Dual Use Regulation, and/or other export control regulations. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide either proof of their country of citizenship or proof of their U.S. permanent residency or other protected status (e.g., under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) for assessment of eligibility to access the export-controlled information. To meet this legal requirement, and as a condition of employment, the successful candidate’s citizenship will be verified with a valid passport. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees may verify status using other documents, where applicable

Additional/Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate in relevant field AND 5+ years related research experience
  • OR equivalent experience.
• Experience publishing academic papers as a lead author or essential contributor.
• Experience participating in a top conference in relevant research domain.

Research Sciences IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 - $274,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until August 20, 2025.

#QuantumCareers #MDQCareers 

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop novel fault-tolerance strategies for quantum computing systems, working in close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of theorists and experimentalists.
• Advance the theory and implementation of quantum error correction codes, contributing to the development of both logical and physical qubit architectures.
• Drive research and experimentation aimed at building scalable, resilient quantum computers capable of delivering practical value.
• Engage in creative problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration to overcome technical challenges in quantum system design.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, and technical excellence while embodying.

• Other:

  • Embody our Culture and Values