Senior Researcher, Quantum Finance Engineering

Remote, US IonQ is developing the world's most powerful full-stack quantum computer based on trapped-ion technology. We are pushing past the limits of classical physics and current supercomputing technology to unlock a new era of computing. Quantum computing has the potential to impact every area of human society for the better. IonQ’s computers will soon redefine industries like medicine, materials science, finance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptography, and more. IonQ is at the forefront of this technological revolution. IonQ is seeking a Senior Researcher, Engineering of Quantum Computing for Financial Applications and Algorithms to co-lead the design, development, and implementation of quantum solutions that address high-value use cases in the financial sector. The ideal candidate will bridge deep domain expertise in financial mathematics, quantitative modeling, and optimization with quantum algorithm design and near-term hardware capabilities. This role is highly strategic and interdisciplinary. You will collaborate with IonQ’s hardware, software, and research teams to identify problems where quantum advantage is emerging, engage with global financial institutions to co-develop pilots, and contribute to the evolution of IonQ’s algorithmic and application roadmap. The position involves meeting with customers, academic collaborators, and internal teams across IonQ’s global ecosystem. Unlike traditional roles in quantum information theory, this role requires deep expertise not only in quantum computing but also in the finance industry domain and in AI/ML. The ideal candidate is expected to be not only an expert in quantum computing but also very knowledgeable in quantitative analysis and in finance use cases such as portfolio optimization option pricing risk analysis and fraud detection. Deep knowledge in classical and quantum AI/ML is a plus because AI/ML is now a foundational discipline in finance.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the creation of IonQ’s research and development initiatives in quantum algorithms for finance including portfolio optimization option pricing risk modeling fraud detection and derivative valuation.
• Be an expert and a capable project manager in the following areas: quantum information theory high performance computing circuit compilation and optimization error correction and quantum software engineering integrating these components to make quantum algorithms and applications for finance run on real quantum hardware today.
• Contribute to the translation of financial problem statements into quantum algorithmic frameworks suited for NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) devices and future fault-tolerant architectures.
• Collaborate with IonQ’s Quantum Solutions and Partnerships teams to define and execute industry pilots with major banks hedge funds and asset managers.
• Publish and present groundbreaking results at top-tier academic and industry venues helping shape global thought leadership in quantum finance.
• Be an active member of a high-performing interdisciplinary team of quantum scientists financial engineers and software developers.
• Partner with IonQ’s business and product teams to translate research outcomes into deployable scalable commercial offerings.
• Represent IonQ in external collaborations with academic institutions government agencies and consortia focused on quantum advantage in finance.
• Travel 10%-20% of the time to support customer engagements research collaborations and strategic partnership initiatives.

You’d be a good fit with:

• Ph.D. in Physics Applied Mathematics Computer Science Quantitative Finance or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in quantitative research algorithm design or computational finance with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Excellent knowledge and skills not only in quantum computing but also in error correction circuit compilation & optimization high-performance computing & quantum software engineering.Excellent knowledge & skills in quantum for AI/ML.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantum algorithms optimization or machine learning; familiarity with quantum programming frameworks (e.g., Qiskit Cirq IonQ SDK Pennylane).
• Deep understanding of financial modeling including stochastic calculus numerical methods & high-performance computing.
• Proven record of publishing or deploying innovative solutions in finance operations research or applied quantum computing.
• Exceptional communication skills capable of engaging both technical & executive-level audiences.

You’d be a great fit with:

• Knowledge in quantitative research
• Experience with use cases typical of banks & hedge funds

Location: This position can work onsite or hybrid from one of our offices (College Park MD Bothell WA) or fully remote in the US. Travel: up to 20% Job ID: 1193 The approximate base salary range for this position is $123191 - $161289. The total compensation package includes base bonus & equity. Compensation will vary depending on multiple individualized factors including market location job-related knowledge skills & experience. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Beyond base salary total compensation includes a variable bonus & equity component & a range of benefit options found on our career site at ionq.co/jobs. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. Our US benefits include comprehensive medical dental & vision plans matching 401K unlimited PTO & paid holidays parental/adoption leave legal insurance a home internet stipend & pet insurance! IonQ's HQ is located in College Park Maryland just outside Washington DC. We are actively building out our recently opened manufacturing & production facility in Bothell WA (near Seattle). Depending on the position you may be required to be near one of our offices in College Park Seattle Toronto Canada & Basel Switzerland. However IonQ will expand into additional domestic & international geographies so don’t let this stop you from applying! At IonQ we believe in fair treatment access opportunity & advancement for all while striving to identify & eliminate barriers. We empower employees to thrive by fostering a culture of autonomy productivity & respect. We are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can feel welcomed respected supported & valued. We are committed to equity & justice. We welcome different voices & viewpoints & do not discriminate on the basis of race religion ancestry physical &/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 & 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 & government contracts work obtaining any necessary license &/or confirming availability of license exception under U.S export controls Please note that absence of confirming you are U.S Person for export control & government contracts work purposes IonQ may choose not to apply for license or decline use license exception (if available) for you access export-controlled technology that may require authorization similarly you may not qualify for government contracts work that requires U.S Persons IonQ may decline proceed your application on those bases alone Accordingly we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control compliance purposes answers reviewed by compliance personnel ensure compliance federal law. US Non-Technical Jobs: Due applicable export control laws regulations candidates must be U.S citizen or national U.S permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder) or lawfully admitted into U.S as refugee or granted asylum Accordingly we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control compliance purposes answers reviewed by compliance personnel ensure compliance federal law. If you are interested being part our team mission we encourage you apply!