Quantum Computing Researcher

About the Role

Join Barclays as a Quantum Computing Researcher in the Emerging Technologies team within the Chief Technology Office, driving pioneering quantum initiatives across the bank. This new role involves applying quantum algorithms and quantum machine learning to solve complex financial tasks. You will be at the forefront of quantum technologies that are actively reshaping the future of Financial Services.

Key Responsibilities and Skills

To succeed as a Quantum Computing Researcher, candidates should possess experience in the following areas:

• Quantum computing fundamentals, mathematics and statistics: Demonstrate a strong understanding of quantum mechanics, quantum gates, circuits, and algorithms. Possess a solid grasp of linear algebra, multi-layered numbers, and quantum information theory, with the ability to design and implement quantum circuits for practical applications.
• Programming and quantum development: Be proficient in Python and experienced with quantum computing frameworks. You will write and test quantum algorithms, understand hybrid quantum-classical computing approaches, and integrate quantum solutions with classical infrastructure.
• Problem-solving and algorithm design: Identify problems suitable for quantum computing, translate business requirements into quantum algorithms, and evaluate quantum advantage against classical approaches. Experience with optimization, simulation, or machine learning use cases is essential.
• Communication and collaboration: Facilitate discussions among quantum research teams, engineering stakeholders, and business users. Explain complex quantum concepts to non-technical audiences, document approaches clearly, and contribute to knowledge sharing across the organization.

Highly Valued Skills

Some other highly valued skills include:

• Experience with quantum platforms and tools: Familiarity with Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane, or other quantum SDKs. Exposure to quantum cloud services (IBM Quantum, Azure Quantum, AWS Braket), quantum simulators, and noise modeling.
• Financial services domain knowledge: Understanding of financial use cases for quantum computing such as portfolio optimization, risk evaluation, derivative pricing, or fraud detection. Awareness of regulatory and security considerations in financial technology.
• Advanced quantum topics: Knowledge of quantum error correction, fault-tolerant quantum computing, or quantum cryptography. Experience with variational quantum algorithms (VQE, QAOA) or quantum machine learning techniques.
• Research background and continuous learning: A peer-reviewed publication record in quantum computing or related fields. A postgraduate qualification in physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related discipline. Active engagement with the quantum computing community through conferences or open-source contributions.

Role Purpose and Accountabilities

The purpose of this role is to design, develop, and improve software, utilizing various engineering methodologies, to provide business, platform, and technology capabilities for Barclays' customers and colleagues.

• Develop and deliver high-quality software solutions using industry-aligned programming languages, frameworks, and tools, ensuring scalability, maintainability, and optimized performance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product managers, designers, and other engineers to define software requirements, devise solution strategies, and ensure seamless integration and alignment with business objectives.
• Collaborate with peers, participate in code reviews, and promote a culture of code quality and knowledge sharing.
• Stay informed of industry technology trends and innovations and actively contribute to the organization’s technology communities to foster technical excellence and growth.
• Adhere to secure coding practices to mitigate vulnerabilities, protect sensitive data, and ensure secure software solutions.
• Implement effective unit testing practices to ensure proper code design, readability, and reliability.

Assistant Vice President Expectations

As an Assistant Vice President, you will be expected to:

• Advise and influence decision-making, contribute to policy development, and take responsibility for operational effectiveness, collaborating closely with other functions/business divisions.
• Lead a team performing complex tasks (if applicable), utilizing professional knowledge and skills to deliver work impacting the entire business function. Set objectives, coach employees, appraise performance, and determine reward outcomes.
• For individual contributors, lead collaborative assignments and guide team members through structured assignments. Identify the need for other areas of specialization and new directions for projects, combining cross-functional methodologies to meet outcomes.
• Consult on complex issues, providing advice to People Leaders for resolving escalated issues.
• Identify ways to mitigate risk and develop new policies/procedures in support of control and governance.
• Take ownership for managing risk and strengthening controls in relation to the work done.
• Perform work closely related to other areas, requiring an understanding of how areas coordinate and contribute to organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with other areas for business-aligned support, keeping up to speed with business activity and strategy.
• Engage in complex analysis of data from multiple internal and external sources to solve problems creatively and effectively.
• Communicate complex or sensitive information and influence stakeholders to achieve outcomes.

Barclays Values and Mindset

All colleagues are expected to demonstrate the Barclays Values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship – our moral compass, guiding what we believe is right. They are also expected to demonstrate the Barclays Mindset – to Empower, Challenge, and Drive – the operating manual for how we behave.

Key skills/competency

• Quantum Algorithms
• Quantum Machine Learning
• Python Programming
• Quantum Computing Frameworks
• Linear Algebra
• Problem Solving
• Algorithm Design
• Financial Services Domain
• Qiskit/Cirq/PennyLane
• Secure Coding Practices