Internship for Quantum Researcher in Summer 2026 - UK/Germany

About the Internship Opportunity

As JIJ continues to expand its global R&D activities, we are looking for talented and highly motivated interns to join our research and development team. Our internship opportunities are designed for students and early-career researchers who are passionate about mathematical optimization, quantum computing, quantum-inspired algorithms, AI, and high-performance software development.

Internship projects are typically research- or product-driven and may involve collaboration with academic partners, industrial clients, or internal engineering teams. Depending on the project, interns may contribute to algorithm design, optimization modeling, solver development, quantum-classical hybrid workflows, benchmarking, software prototyping, or applied R&D for real-world industrial problems.

We welcome candidates with strong backgrounds in areas such as computer science, mathematics, physics, operations research, machine learning, or quantum information science. Ideal candidates are currently pursuing, or have recently completed, a master’s degree or Ph.D., although exceptional undergraduate candidates with relevant experience may also be considered.

JIJ offers internship opportunities throughout the year on a project-by-project basis. By registering your interest, you may be considered for future internship openings that match your skills, interests, and availability.

Period / Commitment

• Internship duration: Flexible and project-dependent. As a general reference, internships are expected to last approximately 8 weeks, with the possibility of longer-term arrangements depending on project requirements and candidate availability.
• Start date: Flexible and agreed on a project-by-project basis.
• Working arrangement: Remote or hybrid working may be considered, depending on the role, project needs, and team requirements.
• Time commitment: Part-time arrangements are available, typically around 3 days per week, with flexibility based on the candidate’s academic schedule and project needs.

Eligibility & Requirements

We welcome candidates with strong technical backgrounds and a clear interest in JIJ’s global R&D activities. Exact requirements may vary depending on the project, but suitable candidates typically have:

• Currently pursuing, or recently completed, a Ph.D. in a relevant field such as computer science, mathematics, physics, operations research, quantum information, machine learning, or engineering.
• Strong programming skills, particularly in Python; experience with scientific computing, optimization libraries, or machine learning frameworks is desirable.
• Research interest or experience in mathematical optimization, quantum computing, quantum-inspired algorithms, AI, or high-performance computing.
• Ability to read technical documentation and research papers, then implement, test, and validate ideas in code.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Working language: English for global R&D projects; Japanese language skills may be helpful for some projects but are not required unless specified.

Selection Process

We aim to complete the selection process within approximately one month, depending on candidate availability and project requirements.

1. Online company information session — where applicable
2. Technical assignment — typically completed within 1 week
3. Technical interview — focused on technical background, project fit, and motivation
4. Final decision and onboarding — with the aim of finalising the process within one month

What is in it for you?

At JIJ, you will have the opportunity to work alongside a highly skilled global R&D team at the intersection of mathematical optimization, quantum computing, AI, and industrial software development. You will contribute to technically challenging projects with real-world impact, gaining hands-on experience in developing advanced computational technologies for sectors such as energy, logistics, manufacturing, telecommunications, and finance.

As an intern, you will be able to:

• Work on cutting-edge R&D projects in optimization, quantum computing, and AI.
• Learn from experienced researchers, engineers, and domain experts.
• Contribute to practical solutions for real industrial and scientific challenges.
• Gain experience with advanced optimization platforms, solvers, and software tools.
• Build a strong foundation for a future career in deep tech, quantum technologies, or applied research.
• Collaborate in an international and interdisciplinary environment.
• Explore potential pathways toward future full-time roles within JIJ.

This is an opportunity to apply your technical knowledge to meaningful problems and grow as part of a team committed to making complex society-scale challenges computable.

About JIJ

Company Intro Video: Watch JIJ’s company introduction video

https://www.youtube.com/watch v=-5hTyPIiPok

JIJ Inc. is a deep-tech company advancing mathematical optimization, quantum computing, and quantum-classical hybrid technologies to solve complex real-world decision-making problems. Guided by its mission, “Make Society Computable, Contributing to the Advancement of Humanity,” JIJ develops optimization technologies that help organizations transform complex industrial challenges into computable, actionable solutions.

Through its optimization platform JijZept, JIJ provides a product suite for mathematical optimization, supporting the development process from modeling and solving to visualization and analysis. JijZept includes tools such as JijZept AI, JijZept Solver, JijZept IDE, and JijZept SDK, enabling both experts and non-experts to build and deploy optimization workflows more efficiently.

At JIJ, we work at the intersection of advanced mathematics, software engineering, AI, and quantum technology. Our team collaborates with industry partners, research institutions, and technology leaders to bring next-generation optimization solutions into practical use across sectors such as energy, logistics, manufacturing, telecommunications, and transportation.

We welcome talented researchers, engineers, and business professionals who are passionate about applying cutting-edge computational technologies to meaningful industrial and societal challenges.