Staff Scientist - Quantum Applications

United StatesRemoteFull TimeStaff$167,808–$219,704 /yrPosted 2 months ago

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Role summary

IonQ is seeking a Staff Scientist - Quantum Applications to lead technical development in creating quantum solutions using their quantum computers. This role involves developing hybrid quantum applications for materials science and combinatorial optimization, translating use cases into quantum formulations, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. The scientist will also contribute to IP development, publications, and represent IonQ at conferences. A PhD in a STEM field with 5+ years of quantum computing experience is required, along with expertise in quantum algorithms, materials science simulation tools (QuantumATK, Quantum ESPRESSO, VASP), optimization tools (Gurobi, CPLEX, Pyomo), Python, Qiskit, and classical simulation techniques. Preferred qualifications include 7+ years of experience, software development expertise, and experience with AI assistants.

About IonQ:

IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ’s newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance.Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.

Location: This position can work onsite or hybrid from one of our offices or fully remote in the US.Travel: 10% domestic and internationalJob ID: 1489

The Role:

We are looking for a Staff Scientist – Quantum Applications to lead the technical development in utilizing IonQ’s quantum computers to create highly differentiated quantum solutions that will bring value to society. As a Staff Scientist – Quantum Applications, you’ll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on a multi-generational journey to solve the world’s most complex problems using the world’s best quantum computers built at IonQ.

As a technical leader in quantum algorithms, you will help discover the next generation of quantum applications that are poised to deliver results exceeding state-of-the-art classical methods. You will play a key role in developing core IP, computational resource models, long-term roadmaps and end-to-end workflows that have the potential to disrupt the field of computing. You will also work closely with product, engineering, marketing, sales, operations, and external customers/partners to brainstorm new ideas, propose complex, multi-year initiatives and represent IonQ at high-visibility technical conferences (often all in a single day)!

Responsibilities:

Develop impactful hybrid quantum applications that accelerate commercial advantage in practice and at scale. Be part of a client-facing team that finds, defines, and solves problems of real-world interest using IonQ trapped-ion quantum computers.

Develop and integrate first-of-a-kind quantum algorithms into end-to-end workflows for real-world applications in materials science and combinatorial optimization, including, but not limited to, interfacing with leading commercial and scientific tools such as Synopsys QuantumATK, Quantum ESPRESSO, VASP (materials science and semiconductor applications), Synopsys LS-DYNA, HFSS, Fluent, Sentaurus, Gurobi, CPLEX, Pyomo (optimization applications); translate practical use cases into quantum-native formulations, connect classical simulation outputs to quantum models such as Fermi–Hubbard and Heisenberg Hamiltonians, and map quantum-computing results back into domain workflows for actionable use in production-relevant applications.

Perform hands-on development of fault-tolerant quantum algorithms and collaborate with the Fault Tolerant Quantum Computing (FTQC) algorithms team at IonQ to create a large scientific and commercial impact across a wide range of industry verticals. Contribute deep expertise in classical and quantum algorithms to evaluate and benchmark approaches (FTQC, NISQ, and HPC), clearly communicating state-of-the-art performance, scaling behavior, trade-offs, and cross-over points to stakeholders while driving adoption of standardized benchmarking metrics and tools.

Collaborate with quantum compiler, cloud and hardware engineering teams to develop highly optimized hybrid workflows for trapped-ion quantum computers.

Develop portfolio of foundational IP and high-impact-factor peer-reviewed publications; represent IonQ externally with customer/clients and at conferences.

Requirements:

Doctorate degree in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics or another STEM domain, plus 5+ years of professional work experience in the quantum computing field solving the toughest challenges for society.

Expertise in the quantum simulation of large-scale semiconductor materials and devices, with hands-on experience using tools such as QuantumATK and Quantum ESPRESSO / VASP to analyze band structures, defect states, and related electronic properties across a wide range of materials and lattice types. Experience in parameter extraction / classical simulation transformation for use in quantum-native models for fault tolerant quantum computers.

Expertise in development and resource estimation of FTQC algorithms across domains in condensed matter physics, semiconductor physics, high energy physics etc. that can scale to millions of qubits, billions of gates with line-of-sight to end-customer value.

Expertise in application of FTQC algorithms for solving complex combinatorial optimization problems across domains such as transportation, supply chain, logistics and related areas, with hands-on experience developing novel algorithms and software tools for optimization and operations research, supported by a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and contributions to production-grade codebases.

Expertise in key mathematical techniques used in quantum computing - linear algebra, matrix decompositions, probability theory, symmetry, computational complexity and ability to communicate from community to business to PhD level.

Demonstrated expertise in Python and Qiskit or similar quantum SDK; working knowledge of C++.

Preferred Qualifications:

7+ years of professional work experience developing end-to-end solutions for realistic industry problems in areas such as computer-aided engineering, semiconductor materials design etc. Demonstrated experience with applying commercial tools to solve problem sets of practical relevance.

Active participant in the FTQC algorithm community including the development of tools (libraries, simulators, compiler), metrics (costing, resource estimation, ROI) and community (economic development, standards) with an active portfolio of invited talks, repos, licenses, publications and/or patents.

Success working directly with clients to define and deliver solutions; excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Experience developing quantum algorithms for NISQ era quantum computers, including hybrid solutions e.g. classical pre/post processing (CPU) and variational (GPU + QPU) energy minimization, QAOA, etc.

Demonstrated expertise software development using Agentic-AI using Codex, Opus or similar AI assistants.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $167,808 - $219,704. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.
Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment.

At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers. We empower employees to thrive by fostering a culture of autonomy, productivity, and respect. We are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. We are committed to equity and justice. We welcome different voices and viewpoints and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

US Technical Jobs. The position you are applying for will require access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions. Employment with IonQ is contingent on either verifying “U.S. Person” (e.g., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum) status for export controls and government contracts work, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls. Please note that in the absence of confirming you are a U.S. Person for export control and government contracts work purposes, IonQ may choose not to apply for a license or decline to use a license exception (if available) for you to access export-controlled technology that may require authorization, and similarly, you may not qualify for government contracts work that requires U.S. Persons, and IonQ may decline to proceed with your application on those bases alone. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.

US Non-Technical Jobs. Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.

If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!

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