Senior Quantum Research Scientist

Senior Quantum Research Scientist - Innovation and Ventures

Some careers grow faster than others.

If you’re looking for a career that will help you stand out, join HSBC, and fulfil your potential. Whether you want a career that could take you to the top, or simply take you in an exciting new direction, HSBC offers opportunities, support and rewards that will take you further.

Join HSBC’s Emerging Technology, Innovation and Ventures function as we explore the frontier of quantum computing. This role sits within the Emerging Technologies team—a group focused on identifying, developing, and applying transformative technologies that can shape the future of financial services. You’ll be part of a research-led environment that blends academic curiosity with real-world application.

As an HSBC employee in the UK, you will have access to tailored professional development opportunities and a competitive pay and benefits package. This includes private healthcare for all UK-based employees, enhanced maternity and adoption pay and support when you return to work, and a contributory pension scheme with a generous employer contribution.

We are currently seeking an experienced individual to join this team in the role of Senior Quantum Research Scientist.

In this role, you will:

• Lead pioneering quantum research: Drive original research into quantum, hybrid, and classical algorithms with a focus on solving complex challenges across financial services.
• Build academic and industry partnerships: Establish and lead collaborative research efforts with universities, government bodies, and industry partners to advance applied quantum technologies.
• Translate theory into impact: Work closely with internal teams to test and apply quantum algorithms to real-world use cases, helping to bridge the gap between research and commercial application.
• Share knowledge and thought leadership: Publish in leading scientific journals, contribute to patents, and represent HSBC at conferences, while mentoring others and sharing knowledge across the bank.

To be successful in this role you should meet the following requirements:

• Deep technical expertise: A strong research background in quantum computing, quantum-inspired computing, quantum machine learning, applied mathematics, and/or physics, with proven experience conducting research into quantum algorithms and/or related computational methods.
• Track record of publication: Experience authoring peer-reviewed papers and communicating scientific insights through conferences, journals, or industry forums.
• Hands-on development skills: Proficiency in CUDA (CUDA-Q) and quantum SDKs such as Qiskit or Cirq, with solid programming skills in Python and C++.
• Building production-grade quantum solutions: Familiarity with building quantum computing capabilities related to (quantum) machine learning, optimisation, simulation and/or others that are aligned to business needs and challenges, and are placed in production environments.
• Collaborative and strategic approach: Skilled at working across disciplines, engaging with business units, and building long-term research collaborations both internally and externally.

The role could either based in Birmingham or Sheffield, hybrid working.

Opening a world of opportunity. You’ll achieve more when you join HSBC.

At HSBC we look to enable our employees to better balance their work / life priorities and have the flexibility required to meet challenging needs as they progress through different life stages. Where possible we will consider the following flexible working options: part-time working, job sharing, term-time working, and working from home and staggered hours. If in considering a role with HSBC, you have a need for some flexibility in your working arrangements please discuss this with the recruitment team in the early stages of the application process.

We believe that being open to a range of perspectives and cultures is vital for our business. We work hard to ensure our diverse and inclusive workplace reflects the communities we serve. We want everyone to achieve their potential – regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age. If you have a different way of seeing the world, we are interested in hearing from you.

HSBC is committed to being an inclusive employer and providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all. We will provide reasonable adjustments to remove any disadvantage to you being considered for this role. We are proud members of the Disability Confident Scheme and will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

If you would like to receive any information in a different way or would like us to do anything differently to help you apply for our roles, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk:

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: +44 2078328500.

Within the workplace you will have access to various employee resource groups which aim to promote and achieve a healthy work / life balance and support our diversity ambitions. HSBC has processes in place to avoid nepotism. This means we will avoid circumstances in which the appearance or possibility of conflicts of interest may exist within the hiring process.