Research Intern - Quantum Algorithms

Microsoft•Redmond, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Research Internships at Microsoft provide a dynamic environment for research careers with a network of world-class research labs led by globally-recognized scientists and engineers, who pursue innovation in a range of scientific and technical disciplines to help solve complex challenges in diverse fields, including computing, healthcare, economics, and the environment. Researchers in quantum computing are leveraging rapid advances in quantum hardware, error‑correcting codes, and algorithmic innovation to enable new modes of computation that transcend the limits of classical systems. This research empowers scientists and engineers to model complex physical phenomena, simulate chemical systems with unprecedented accuracy, and develop computational tools that illuminate foundational questions at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and information science. The work infuses quantum devices, software, and algorithms with capabilities that push the frontier of what is computationally achievable. Microsoft’s deep investments in the field are advancing the state of the art in quantum architectures, fault‑tolerant protocols, and high‑performance simulation, enabling a new era of scalable and reliable quantum computation. In addition, the company’s researchers are thought leaders on the practical, scientific, and societal impacts of quantum technologies. The research, tools, and platforms that result from this investment are woven into existing and emerging quantum ecosystems and made accessible to the broader scientific community in a bid to accelerate discovery, democratize quantum innovation, and address some of the world’s most challenging scientific and industrial problems.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in a bachelor's, master’s or PhD Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field OR equivalent experience.
1+ year(s) programming experience in related programming languages.
Research Interns are expected to be physically located in their manager’s Microsoft worksite location for the duration of their internship.
In addition to the qualifications below, you’ll need to submit a minimum of two reference letters for this position as well as a cover letter and any relevant work or research samples.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated ability to develop original research agendas.
Ability to collaborate effectively with other researchers and product development teams.

Responsibilities

Research Interns put inquiry and theory into practice.
Alongside fellow doctoral candidates and some of the world’s best researchers, Research Interns learn, collaborate, and network for life.
Research Interns not only advance their own careers, but they also contribute to exciting research and development strides.
During the 12-week internship, Research Interns are paired with mentors and expected to collaborate with other Research Interns and researchers, present findings, and contribute to the vibrant life of the community.
Research internships are available in all areas of research, and are offered year-round, though they typically begin in the summer.
The Research Intern will conduct research on application‑tuned noise models for early fault‑tolerant quantum computers, enabling assessments of application readiness and supporting the co‑development of applications alongside advancements in quantum error correction.
In this role, the Research Intern will study how different algorithmic structures interact with realistic logical‑level noise processes, developing models that capture the performance characteristics of early fault‑tolerant hardware.
They will design and evaluate noise tailoring strategies that reflect the specific resource profiles, circuit motifs, and error‑correction behaviors of target applications, helping to identify where algorithmic performance is most sensitive to residual logical errors.
Working closely with researchers across hardware, algorithms, and simulation, the Research Intern will prototype tools for estimating resource requirements, benchmarking application robustness under varying noise parameters, and guiding the iterative refinement of both applications and error‑correction schemes.