VisaLead Research Scientist
Visa is hiring a Lead Research Scientist in Foster City, United States. It pays $215k-$345k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on Visa.
Level's read on this job
- On Level's scale, this research scientist role is Builds AI ●●●●: the job is building AI systems.
- The listed pay starts 13% above the typical research scientist posting on Level.
- Tools and skills the posting cites include Quantum Computers, Python and quantum computing.
- Level classifies it as a lead role.
- Level lists 822 other open roles at Visa.
AI in this role
Lead research in quantum AI, quantum machine learning, and optimization algorithms for financial and payment systems.
About Us
Visa is a world leader in payments technology, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories, dedicated to uplifting everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.
At Visa, you'll have the opportunity to create impact at scale — tackling meaningful challenges, growing your skills and seeing your contributions impact lives around the world.
Join Visa and do work that matters – to you, to your community, and to the world. Progress starts with you.
Job Description
About Visa Research
Visa Research advances the future of payments through world-class research in emerging technologies. As quantum computing matures, it presents opportunities to transform optimization, AI, financial modeling, cybersecurity, and digital commerce.
We are seeking a Lead Research Scientist, Quantum AI & Quantum Computing to drive Visa's research strategy at the intersection of quantum computing, AI, optimization, and financial systems. This role offers the opportunity to shape Visa's long-term innovation agenda and advance real-world applications of quantum technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead research in Quantum Machine Learning, Quantum Optimization, Quantum Simulation, and Quantum AI.
- Develop quantum and hybrid quantum-classical algorithms for applications including:
- Financial forecasting and analytics
- Portfolio optimization and risk management
- Fraud detection
- Transaction network optimization
- Market simulation and scenario analysis
- Advance research in:
- Quantum-enhanced AI and machine learning
- Quantum generative models
- AI-driven quantum algorithm discovery
- Enterprise-scale optimization
- Evaluate and validate solutions on leading quantum computing platforms.
- Identify high-impact opportunities where quantum technologies can create business value.
- Lead multidisciplinary research programs and external collaborations.
- Mentor researchers and contribute to a culture of scientific excellence.
- Publish in top venues and represent Visa in industry and academic forums.
- Build strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions, and technology providers.
Why Join Us
- Shape the application of quantum technologies to global payment and commerce challenges.
- Influence Visa's long-term technology strategy.
- Collaborate with leading experts in quantum computing, AI, cryptography, and finance.
- Translate cutting-edge research into solutions that can impact billions of transactions worldwide.
This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your hiring manager. There is no remote exception for this role.
Qualifications
Qualifications
Required
- Ph.D. in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Quantum Information Science, or a related field.
- 5+ years of research experience in quantum computing or related disciplines.
- Strong expertise in quantum algorithms and quantum computing fundamentals.
Preferred
- 7+ years of research and postdoctoral experience in quantum computing and AI.
- Recognized research leadership demonstrated through publications, patents, invited talks, and community contributions.
- Experience leading interdisciplinary research programs.
Technical Expertise
Deep expertise in one or more of:
- Quantum Machine Learning
- Quantum Optimization
- Quantum Simulation
- Variational Quantum Algorithms
- Quantum Generative AI
- Hybrid Quantum-Classical Computing
- Quantum Algorithms for Finance
- Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing
Experience with platforms such as Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane, IBM Quantum, Quantinuum, IonQ, Rigetti, or equivalent ecosystems.
Impact & Leadership
- Proven ability to translate advanced research into strategic business value.
- Experience applying quantum methods to optimization, AI, simulation, networks, or financial systems.
- Strong leadership, collaboration, mentorship, and executive communication skills.
Information for US Applicants
Work Hours
Varies upon the needs of the department.
Travel Requirements
This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.
Mental/Physical Requirements
This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.
Visa is an EEO Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protect veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.How we rate this
Lead Research Scientist at Visa rates 90 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Builds AI (AI Level 4 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.
Builds AI. The job is building AI systems.
- ●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
- ●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
- ●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
- ●○○○ Little AI0 to 39
Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.
Prepare for this job
Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.
Skills and AI tools this role asks for
Also common in research scientist jobs at this level
Pay
- This job starts at
- $215k
- Typical research scientist job
- $190k
This posting starts 13% above the typical research scientist job. See research scientist jobs
Questions you could be asked
- Tell me about a project where quantum computing was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where quantum machine learning was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where algorithm development was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where optimization was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where financial modeling was part of your work. What did you do?
Adapt your resume
- List these exact terms on your resume: Quantum Computing, Quantum Machine Learning, Algorithm Development, Optimization, and Financial Modeling. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
- Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.
- Lead with what you built, trained or shipped. This role is judged on the AI system itself, not the tools around it.
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