Staff Research Scientist, Intern - PhD Quantum

Visa is hiring a Staff Research Scientist, Intern - PhD Quantum in Foster City, United States. It pays $66-$73/hr and Level rates it ; you can apply on Visa.

Level's read on this job

Builds AI ●●●● is how Level rates this research scientist role: the job is building AI systems.
Tools and skills the posting cites include ChatGPT, Copilot and quantum computing.
Level classifies it as an internship.
Level lists 826 other open roles at Visa.

AI in this role

Staff Research Scientist Intern focusing on quantum computing, quantum machine learning, and cryptographic research.

ChatGPTCopilot

quantum-computingquantum-machine-learningquantum-cryptographyresearch

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

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.

Our Team

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.

About the Quantum Computing and Information Team

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.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. with an expected graduation date in December 2027 or later

Preferred Qualifications:

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 secuirty, communications, networking or simulations
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

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY: The estimated hourly range for a new hire into this position is $66.00 to $73.00 which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

Information for US Applicants

For roles located in the US, the estimated hourly rate is $66.00 to $73.00 USD. The hourly rate may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

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

Staff Research Scientist, Intern - PhD Quantum at Visa rates 85 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.

Classification

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.

Key facts

Staff Research Scientist, Intern - PhD Quantum is an open job at Visa.
Level rates this role AI Level 4 of 4: Builds AI.
The listed pay is $66-$73/hr.
The role is based in US - Foster City, CA.
The job was posted on September 17, 2026.
Seniority: intern.
Applications are handled by Visa. Apply on Visa

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

Quantum ComputingQuantum Machine LearningQuantum CryptographyResearchChatGPTCopilot

Also common in research scientist jobs at this level

PyTorch LLM Deep learning Reinforcement learning Computer vision CUDA

Pay

Typical research scientist job: $190k

Use the typical research scientist figure as a reference when pay comes up. 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 quantum cryptography was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where research was part of your work. What did you do?
Walk me through how you've used ChatGPT in your day-to-day work.

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Quantum Computing, Quantum Machine Learning, Quantum Cryptography, Research, and ChatGPT. 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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