Lead Research Scientist, Quantum Computing

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.