Applications are now open

Quantum Research Internship (Fall 2025)

The Institute of Applied Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (IAAIR) is now accepting applications for the Fall 2025 Quantum Research Internship. This program offers a unique opportunity for students to explore the frontiers of quantum computing, focusing on two key challenges: high-level quantum programming and debugging tools for quantum runtimes.

Interns will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art frameworks such as PennyLane and Qiskit, contribute to prototype tool development, and work closely with supervisors and researchers advancing the field of quantum software engineering. Designed for motivated students with strong backgrounds in computer science, mathematics, or physics, the internship provides both theoretical foundations and practical research exposure.

By joining this program, interns will not only strengthen their technical expertise but also contribute to the next generation of tools that make quantum computing more accessible, reliable, and productive.

Supervisors

  • Dr. Srikanth Thudumu – Director of AI, Institute of Applied Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (IAAIR), USA

  • Prof. Rajesh Vasa – Applied Artificial Intelligence Initiative, Deakin University, Australia

Internship Intake

Fall Internships – Applications open now

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Strong background in computer science, physics, or a related discipline

  • Minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent academic standing), with mandatory submission of academic transcripts as proof.

  • Familiarity with Python programming and libraries for scientific computing (NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib)

  • Basic understanding of quantum computing concepts (qubits, gates, measurement, superposition, entanglement)

  • Prior exposure to at least one quantum framework (PennyLane, Qiskit, Cirq, or Q#) is desirable

  • Interest in programming language design, developer tools, or software engineering research

  • Ability to read and summarize research papers in quantum computing and software engineering

  • Good problem-solving skills, with willingness to explore new abstractions and debugging methodologies

  • Self-motivated, with capacity to work independently as well as in collaboration with supervisors

Important Notes:

  • This internship is not affiliated with any university. However, if selected, IAAIR can provide the necessary documentation required by your university to facilitate credit recognition (if applicable) or internship approval. It is the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with their university and ensure that the internship aligns with their academic or professional requirements.

  • IAAIR does not provide visa sponsorships or visa related letters. Applicants must have the legal right to work or intern in their respective locations and are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all visa, immigration, and work authorization requirements.

Internship Details

  • Duration: 12 weeks

  • Commitment: Full-time

  • Internship start date: 22 September 2025

  • Internship end date: 12 December 2025

  • Internship Type: Unpaid, undertaken for educational and professional experience

  • Mode: Remote and on-site options available (On-site internships will be at IAAIR headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA)

Current Projects

Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge Quantum research projects, including:

  1. Foundations for High Level Quantum Programming

  2. Exploring Debugging Aids for Quantum Computing

Intern Responsibilities

  • Review literature on quantum programming abstractions, debugging challenges, and existing toolchains

  • Study and compare existing frameworks (Qiskit, PennyLane, Cirq, Q#) to identify gaps in abstraction and debugging support

  • Prototype simple domain-specific abstractions for quantum programming to improve readability and modularity

  • Explore state visualization methods to make quantum phenomena (superposition, entanglement) more intuitive during execution

  • Implement a minimal transpiler pipeline that converts high-level DSL constructs into simulator-executable circuits

  • Design statistical assertion checks to validate circuit outputs against theoretical expectations

  • Investigate mid-circuit measurement techniques and build exploratory tools to analyze such data

  • Test prototypes on benchmark algorithms (Deutsch–Jozsa, Grover’s search, VQE, QAOA) for both programmability and debugging features

  • Document design decisions, challenges, and progress in technical notes and blog-style updates

  • Present progress through mid-term and final presentations, including live demos of programming abstractions and debugging tools

Internship Completion & Certificate

Interns who successfully complete the program will receive an Internship Completion Certificate. The certificate will be issued only after:

  1. The final presentation has been delivered at the end of the internship.

  2. The final report has been submitted and reviewed by IAAIR.

Failure to complete these requirements will result in no certificate being issued.

Benefits of the Internship

This internship provides applied research experience and will:

  • Gain hands-on experience with quantum software engineering using frameworks such as PennyLane, Qiskit, and Cirq

  • Work on one of the most pressing challenges in quantum computing: debugging and validation of quantum programs

  • Develop cross-disciplinary skills in quantum mechanics, programming languages, and data visualization

  • Build research capabilities through literature reviews, prototyping, evaluation, and presentation of findings

  • Create a tangible prototype tool for quantum debugging that can be showcased in portfolios or research outputs

  • Strengthen readiness for further academic pathways such as Honors, Masters, or PhD studies in quantum software engineering

  • Contribute to real-world research with potential for publication or integration into larger quantum tooling projects

Application Process

The applications must be submitted here.

If you have already applied, please note that due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for the first round of interviews and if successful, there may be an optional second round focused on technical aspects. The final stage involves mandatory reference checks — two references are required.

Should there be any further questions, please get in touch at internships@iaair.ai