Staff Scientist, Quantum Applications

The role

You will develop end-to-end quantum applications to drive scientific advancement. You will work with customers and partners to solve real-world problems using trapped-ion quantum computers.

What you will do

• Develop, implement, and optimize novel quantum algorithms, applications, and end-to-end workflows
• Work with customers and partners to define and solve problems of real-world interest
• Discover innovative solutions and rigorously benchmark their performance
• Publish results in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and conferences
• Support an initiative that delivers new scientific discoveries and innovation

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or similar STEM domain
• 6+ years of professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated expertise in Python and/or C++
• Experience with Qiskit or similar quantum SDKs
• Hands-on expertise developing or optimizing quantum algorithms in areas such as computational chemistry, optimization, and machine learning
• Track record of delivering innovative quantum solutions through peer-reviewed manuscripts, invited talks, open-source repositories, licenses, publications, and/or patents
• Strong foundation in key quantum computing concepts
• Ability to articulate deeply technical ideas to diverse audiences
• Experience being part of a team that finds, defines, and solves problems of real-world interest
• Strong collaboration skills and clear technical communication

Nice to have

• Ph.D. in computer science, mathematics, engineering, physics, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience contributing to customer-facing or partner-facing technical engagements
• Experience with variational quantum algorithms and hybrid quantum-classical workloads spanning CPUs, GPUs, and QPUs
• Experience developing hybrid quantum algorithms for NISQ-era systems as well as early fault-tolerant quantum computers
• Demonstrated experience with quantum algorithm resource estimation, performance benchmarking, and scaling analysis
• Proven success working with customers to define and deliver solutions

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Matching 401(k)
• Unlimited PTO
• Paid holidays
• Parental/adoption leave
• Legal insurance
• Home technology stipend

Before you apply

• Position requires access to technology subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions
• Employment is contingent on verifying U.S. Person status or obtaining necessary licenses

About the company

IonQ, Inc. is a quantum platform and merchant supplier delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, the company provides quantum computing services through all major cloud providers.