Staff Research Scientist, Intern - PhD Quantum

Visa•Foster City, CA

49d•$66 - $73•Hybrid

About The Position

Visa’s Internship Program offers a 12-week immersive experience where you’ll work on impactful projects that advance Visa’s mission. As a Visa intern, you’ll build meaningful connections, strengthen your communication and business skills, and gain hands-on experience in a dynamic, global environment. You’ll have access to interactive workshops and learning sessions designed to build expertise, expand industry knowledge, and elevate your professional skills. You’ll not only learn, you’ll contribute, collaborate, and innovate. Beyond professional development, enjoy social events that foster community and connection. The program culminates in a final presentation, where you’ll share your project achievements and recommendations with Visa leaders—a chance to demonstrate impact and growth. Visa Research is a research organization part of the company's effort on expanding its technology research capabilities globally. We conduct both applied and fundamental research while engaging with the company's technology and product teams, business partners, academics, and governments, to explore and develop technologies that are critical to the payments industry in the future. Our mission is to harness quantum computing and information technologies to enable breakthroughs in computation, security, and data analytics. Our research focuses on: Quantum algorithms and applications Quantum machine learning Quantum optimization Quantum cryptography Tackle complex challenges in fraud detection, risk modeling, secure transactions, and large-scale financial data analysis These efforts empower Visa and its partners to maintain leadership in efficiency, security, and innovation across global payments All Visa roles require digital fluency, including the ability to work with emerging technologies such as Generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot) to support everyday work Visa requires at least 3 days in office, expectations of these days will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.

Requirements

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. with an expected graduation date in December 2027 or later
Proficiency in object-oriented programming (e.g., Python, C++, Java)
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to innovate and solve complex problems
Strong teamwork and relationship-building skills
Comfort working in dynamic environments and adapting to change
Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to deliver results collaboratively

Nice To Haves

Proven research experience in reputed (e.g., publications, patents, or conference presentations)
Knowledge in one or more areas: Quantum algorithms and applications, applied quantum physics, quantum machine learning, optimization, quantum security, communications, networking or simulations

Responsibilities

Work on impactful projects that advance Visa's mission.
Build meaningful connections, strengthen communication and business skills, and gain hands-on experience in a dynamic, global environment.
Participate in interactive workshops and learning sessions.
Contribute, collaborate, and innovate.
Attend social events that foster community and connection.
Share project achievements and recommendations with Visa leaders in a final presentation.
Harness quantum computing and information technologies to enable breakthroughs in computation, security, and data analytics.
Conduct research in quantum algorithms and applications, quantum machine learning, quantum optimization, and quantum cryptography.
Tackle complex challenges in fraud detection, risk modeling, secure transactions, and large-scale financial data analysis.
Support everyday work using emerging technologies such as Generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot).